Squalane oil has gained a vital place in the skincare world, praised for its capacity to nourish, shield, and rejuvenate 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. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be sourced from squalane oil side effects two key sources: animal-based and plant-derived materials. The preference between these options has serious ethical ramifications.
Squalane Oil from Animal Sources
In the past, squalane oil was commonly extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be repository of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Sadly, this method has severe ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the methods used are inhumane and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is a sustainable and planet-friendly solution. It is extracted from plants, removing dependency on animal harvesting. This method addresses animal welfare concerns but also results in a high-quality product for skincare use.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among botanical-based squalane oils, a pair of types stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While each offer vegan choices, their environmental impact varies greatly.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as preferable for sustainable considerations. Olives are a plentiful resource that require less water. On top of that, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as other plant-based oils.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to significant issues. Sugarcane production requires massive amounts of water and often produces waste. As a result, it becomes unsustainable than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps deeply into the skin, providing effective hydration without clogging pores.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for even the oiliest skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, making it great for reactive skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil offers unparalleled results. By choosing ethical options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support eco-consciousness but also treat your skin to one of the best products available.