Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare market, celebrated for its ability to moisturize, shield, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. Still, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its derivation plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be derived from a pair of major origins: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The choice between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was commonly extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has serious ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the methods used are inhumane and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and planet-friendly option. It is produced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also results in a high-quality product for skincare use.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, a pair of categories stand squalane oil hyperpigmentation out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While these two offer vegan alternatives, their eco-friendliness is not the same.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered better for sustainable reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as other plant-based oils.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable issues. Sugarcane farming uses excessive volumes of water and often produces waste. As a result, it becomes less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil absorbs efficiently into the skin, delivering effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it ideal for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, normal skin, squalane oil delivers unparalleled benefits. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also give your complexion a highly effective solutions available.