Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its ability to moisturize, shield, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. Still, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its derivation plays a significant role in determining its moral standing and effect on the planet.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of primary sources: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The decision between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was often sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this approach has severe ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the methods used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal slaughter. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two primary sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer vegan alternatives, their eco-friendliness is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for sustainable reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. On top of that, olive squalane oil retains equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane cultivation requires excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than the olive alternative.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps efficiently into the skin, delivering profound hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Soothing squalane oil serum for Sensitive Skin: Its natural formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil offers remarkable advantages. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also treat your skin to a superior solutions available.