Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare industry, admired for its capacity to nourish, protect, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. However, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a crucial role in determining its moral standing and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major origins: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these options has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Historically, squalane oil was commonly extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has serious ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious option. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal harvesting. This approach addresses animal welfare concerns but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare routines.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, a pair of sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While both offer vegan alternatives, their environmental impact is not the same.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for environmental reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. Additionally, olive squalane oil retains comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as squalane oil from sugarcane.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming uses large quantities of water and often produces environmental degradation. Thus, it is environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of advantages for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, offering profound hydration without clogging pores.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for those with combination skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, rendering it ideal for easily irritated skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil delivers incredible advantages. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also treat your skin to a squalane oil comedogenic rating superior products available.