Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare market, admired for its capacity to hydrate, protect, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, what does squalane oil come from a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. That said, not all squalane oil is the same. Its derivation plays a key role in determining its moral standing and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be derived from two primary sources: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The choice between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was commonly derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has major ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and raise global concerns.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and planet-friendly option. It is produced from plants, removing dependency on animal slaughter. This method ensures humane sourcing but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of categories stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While these two offer vegan options, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered better for ethical considerations. Olives are a plentiful resource that generate fewer emissions. Additionally, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant issues. Sugarcane cultivation uses large quantities of water and often produces waste. This makes it less eco-friendly than olive-derived options.
Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior
Squalane oil offers a plethora of advantages for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps efficiently into the skin, offering effective hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for those with combination skin.
Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its natural formulation reduces redness, rendering it great for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, normal skin, squalane oil offers incredible advantages. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes one of the best products available.