Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its power to moisturize, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. However, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its origin plays a significant role in determining its moral standing and effect on the planet.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of primary origins: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The choice between these categories is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was frequently extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this method has serious ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is an ethical and environmentally conscious option. It is produced from plants, eliminating the need on animal harvesting. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also delivers a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While each offer vegan alternatives, their sustainability is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered better for sustainable purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that require less water. On top of that, olive squalane oil provides equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with substantial issues. Sugarcane cultivation consumes large quantities of water and often produces pollution. This makes it environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, delivering effective hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting squalane oil tablets against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation eases irritation, rendering it perfect for reactive skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil provides remarkable advantages. By choosing ethical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also treat your skin to one of the best solutions available.