Squalane oil has earned a important place in the skincare market, praised for its capacity to moisturize, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its squalane oil in hair origin plays a significant role in determining its sustainability and effect on the planet.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple key sources: animal-derived and botanical-based materials. The decision between these options has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
Traditionally, squalane oil was frequently derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. In addition, the methods used are unsustainable and raise global concerns.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is an ethical and eco-friendly option. It is sourced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also results in a premium-grade product for skincare use.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, two sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical choices, their sustainability varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered better for ethical considerations. Olives are a sustainable resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane cultivation requires large quantities of water and often causes pollution. As a result, it becomes less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers numerous skin-enhancing qualities for varied complexions. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil absorbs efficiently into the skin, providing effective hydration without causing breakouts.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s a great choice for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it perfect for delicate skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have sensitive, combination skin, squalane oil delivers remarkable results. By choosing botanical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also give your complexion one of the best products available.