Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare world, admired for its power to hydrate, 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 a longer shelf life. However, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a significant role in determining its moral standing and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be sourced from a pair of primary sources: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The choice between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Historically, squalane oil was often extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this method has serious ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the methods used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly alternative. It is sourced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal harvesting. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer botanical choices, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for sustainable considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. Additionally, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often produces waste. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, providing profound hydration without clogging pores.
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 natural formulation soothes sensitivity, keeping it perfect for easily irritated skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have sensitive, normal skin, squalane oil delivers incredible benefits. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes a superior solutions available.