Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare industry, admired for its ability to hydrate, shield, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from two primary origins: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The preference between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was often sourced from the livers of sharks. Sharks are an abundant provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this method has serious ethical problems. Millions of sharks are slaughtered annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly option. It is sourced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal harvesting. This approach addresses animal welfare concerns but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While both offer vegan alternatives, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for ethical purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that require less water. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as other plant-based oils.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant eco-concerns. Sugarcane cultivation uses excessive volumes of water and often produces waste. This makes it less eco-friendly than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for varied complexions. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil absorbs efficiently into the skin, providing profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for all skin types, including oily skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it perfect for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, combination skin, squalane oil delivers incredible results. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability squalane hydrating oil but also give your complexion one of the best solutions available.