Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare market, admired for its capacity to moisturize, shield, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering improved longevity. Still, not all squalane oil is the same. Its derivation plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of key categories: animal-derived and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was commonly sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this method has severe ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the processes used are highly unethical and have been widely squalane oil dandruff criticized.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a more responsible and environmentally conscious solution. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among plant-derived squalane oils, a pair of sources stand out: olive-based squalane oil and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical choices, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as the superior choice for environmental reasons. Olives are a renewable resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane production consumes excessive volumes of water and often causes pollution. This makes it less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, offering effective hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for even the oiliest skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its natural formulation eases irritation, making it ideal for easily irritated skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have sensitive, combination skin, squalane oil provides remarkable advantages. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace eco-consciousness but also treat your skin to a superior solutions available.