Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare market, admired for its power to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. That said, not all squalane oil is the same. Its source plays a crucial role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be sourced from two major categories: sourced from animals and botanical-based materials. The decision between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was often sourced from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant repository of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging 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 a sustainable and eco-friendly option. It is extracted from plants, removing dependency on animal slaughter. This option ensures humane sourcing but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare applications.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, a pair of categories stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While each offer botanical choices, their environmental impact varies greatly.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for environmental reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. On top of that, olive squalane oil provides 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 responsible for substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane production consumes large quantities of water and often produces environmental degradation. As a result, it becomes environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers numerous skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil penetrates deeply into the skin, providing effective hydration without clogging pores.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture makes 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 guarding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it great here for delicate skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil offers incredible benefits. By choosing botanical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also treat your skin to a superior solutions available.