Squalane oil has gained a important place in the skincare world, admired for its capacity to hydrate, protect, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a crucial role in determining its moral standing and effect on the planet.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major categories: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these options has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was frequently derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Sadly, this approach has major ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are slaughtered every year for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution. It is produced from plants, eliminating the need on animal slaughter. This option ensures humane sourcing but also produces a safe and effective product for skincare routines.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two primary types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While both offer vegan alternatives, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as better for ethical reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with notable eco-concerns. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. This makes it unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of benefits for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates thoroughly into the skin, delivering profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal 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.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for reactive skin.
Why squalane oil after moisturizer Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have dry, normal skin, squalane oil provides incredible benefits. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective solutions available.