Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare market, admired for its capacity to hydrate, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. Still, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a key role in determining its sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of key categories: sourced from animals and botanical-based materials. The preference between these categories carries significant ethical implications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was frequently extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this method has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. In addition, the practices used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a more responsible and planet-friendly alternative. It is produced from plants, eliminating the need on animal sacrifice. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also produces a high-quality product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two primary sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While each offer vegan choices, their eco-friendliness varies squalane oil linoleic acid percentage greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for ethical reasons. Olives are a renewable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as other plant-based oils.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with substantial eco-concerns. Sugarcane cultivation uses large quantities of water and often results in waste. This makes it less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers countless benefits for all skin types. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps thoroughly into the skin, offering long-lasting hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for even the oiliest skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its natural formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, normal skin, squalane oil delivers incredible results. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also give your complexion one of the best solutions available.