Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare industry, praised for its power to nourish, shield, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. Still, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major sources: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these categories is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was commonly sourced from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are a significant natural source of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this approach has major ethical problems. Millions of sharks are slaughtered annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and raise global concerns.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly solution. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal slaughter. This method addresses animal welfare concerns but also delivers a safe and effective product for skincare use.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical choices, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as better for sustainable purposes. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for substantial issues. Sugarcane cultivation requires excessive volumes of water and often causes environmental degradation. Thus, it is unsustainable than olive-derived options.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers a plethora of advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates thoroughly into the skin, providing effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for even the oiliest skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its mild formulation eases irritation, making it perfect for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, normal skin, squalane oil provides incredible advantages. By choosing ethical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace eco-consciousness but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective solutions available.