Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare industry, praised for its power to moisturize, shield, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is the same. Its derivation plays a significant role in determining its sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be derived from two key sources: animal-derived and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was often sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are an abundant provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this method has serious ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. In addition, the practices used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. It is produced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also delivers a safe and effective product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two primary sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer vegan options, their eco-friendliness differs significantly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for squalane oil in eye ethical reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. Additionally, olive squalane oil offers the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for substantial eco-concerns. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. This makes it unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers numerous benefits for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil seeps thoroughly into the skin, offering profound hydration without clogging pores.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s suitable for even the oiliest skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: 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 pure formulation reduces redness, rendering it ideal for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil provides incredible advantages. By choosing ethical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also treat your skin to a highly effective solutions available.