Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its capacity to hydrate, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is the same. Its source plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of primary sources: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The preference between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was often sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are an abundant repository of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has severe ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is an ethical and environmentally conscious solution. It is sourced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare use.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two primary types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer plant-based choices, their environmental impact differs significantly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for ethical purposes. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. Additionally, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for significant issues. Sugarcane production uses excessive volumes of water and often causes environmental degradation. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, providing profound hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for pure squalane oil those with combination skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation soothes sensitivity, rendering it great for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, mature skin, squalane oil provides unparalleled results. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability but also treat your skin to one of the best products available.