Squalane oil has gained a vital place in the skincare world, praised for its power to moisturize, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a significant role in determining its moral standing and eco-friendliness.
Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple major sources: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Historically, squalane oil was commonly extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are known to be repository of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Sadly, this practice has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and have been widely criticized.
The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a sustainable and planet-friendly solution. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This approach ensures humane sourcing but also produces a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer plant-based alternatives, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as the superior choice for sustainable considerations. Olives are a renewable resource that generate fewer emissions. Additionally, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with substantial issues. Sugarcane cultivation uses massive amounts of water and often causes waste. As a result, it becomes unsustainable than the olive alternative.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers countless advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil absorbs efficiently into the skin, delivering profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for even the oiliest skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, rendering it perfect for delicate skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil provides incredible results. By choosing ethical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize eco-consciousness but also give your complexion a highly effective solutions available.