Squalane oil has earned a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its power to hydrate, defend, 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. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its source plays a significant role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.

Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil can be derived from multiple key origins: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The choice between these options carries significant ethical implications.

Squalane Oil from Animal Sources

In the past, squalane oil was commonly extracted from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Sadly, this method has major ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are inhumane and have been widely criticized.

Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice

In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal slaughter. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare applications.

Two Key Sources of Botanical Squalane Oil

Among plant-derived squalane oils, two primary types stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer plant-based choices, their sustainability varies greatly.

Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice

Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as the superior choice for sustainable purposes. Olives are a plentiful resource that require less water. Additionally, olive squalane oil offers equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating qualities as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.

Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil

On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with notable eco-concerns. Sugarcane cultivation requires massive amounts of water and often produces waste. This makes it environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.

The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:

Deep Hydration: Squalane oil seeps thoroughly into the skin, delivering long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue.

Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for even the oiliest skin.

Fights Signs of Aging: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.

Calming for Irritated Skin: Its mild formulation eases irritation, making it ideal for reactive skin.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil delivers remarkable results. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize ethical practices but also give your complexion a highly effective ingredients available.