Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare industry, admired for its ability to nourish, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its derivation plays a crucial role in determining its moral standing and eco-friendliness.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of major sources: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The preference between these categories carries significant ethical implications.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was commonly sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are an abundant repository of squalene, squalane oil dandruff which is transformed into squalane oil. Sadly, this practice has major ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are slaughtered on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. In addition, the processes used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. It is extracted from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This option ensures humane sourcing but also delivers a high-quality product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two types stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While each offer vegan choices, their environmental impact varies greatly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as better for sustainable reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil retains comparable 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 linked to substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane production uses excessive volumes of water and often causes environmental degradation. This makes it environmentally taxing than the olive alternative.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers numerous skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil penetrates deeply into the skin, delivering effective hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for even the oiliest skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it great for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, normal skin, squalane oil delivers remarkable results. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also give your complexion a superior ingredients available.