Squalane oil has gained a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its capacity to nourish, 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 a longer shelf life. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a key role in determining its ethics and effect on the planet.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be derived from multiple major categories: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was often sourced from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this approach has major ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing 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 environmentally conscious alternative. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This option ensures humane sourcing but also produces a safe and effective product for skincare applications.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical options, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for environmental purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as other plant-based oils.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane production requires excessive volumes of water and often produces pollution. This makes it unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless benefits for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, delivering effective hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for those with combination skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its natural formulation soothes sensitivity, keeping it ideal for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you squalane oil the inkey list have dry, normal skin, squalane oil offers incredible benefits. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize ethical practices but also give your complexion a superior products available.