Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare industry, praised for its power to moisturize, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. Still, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its derivation plays a significant role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from multiple key categories: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The preference between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was often sourced from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this approach has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and planet-friendly option. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal harvesting. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While these two offer vegan alternatives, their environmental impact varies greatly.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for environmental considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil provides equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as other plant-based oils.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for notable issues. Sugarcane production consumes excessive volumes of water and often results in pollution. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, offering long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes it a great choice for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich squalane oil pure in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for reactive skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have sensitive, mature skin, squalane oil provides remarkable results. By choosing ethical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace eco-consciousness but also give your complexion one of the best ingredients available.