Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare industry, praised for its capacity to hydrate, shield, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. That said, not all squalane oil is the same. Its origin plays a key role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of major categories: animal-derived and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these sources carries significant ethical implications.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Historically, squalane oil was often extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly solution. It is produced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal harvesting. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two primary types stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While both offer plant-based alternatives, their sustainability varies 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. Additionally, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming consumes excessive volumes of water and often produces environmental degradation. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than squalane oil from olives.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil absorbs deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting squalane oil under sunscreen hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for even the oiliest skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation eases irritation, rendering it perfect for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil delivers remarkable benefits. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support eco-consciousness but also ensure your beauty routine includes one of the best solutions available.