Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare industry, admired for its capacity to hydrate, protect, 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 derivation plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from a pair of major sources: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Historically, squalane oil was commonly derived from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are a significant repository of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has severe ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal harvesting. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also produces a safe and effective product for skincare use.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer vegan options, their environmental impact varies greatly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for sustainable reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. Additionally, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant eco-concerns. Sugarcane farming consumes excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers a plethora of benefits for varied complexions. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps thoroughly into the skin, offering effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes squalane oil under or over moisturizer it ideal for those with combination skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, rendering it great for reactive skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil provides remarkable benefits. By choosing botanical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also give your complexion a superior products available.