Squalane oil has secured a vital place in the skincare world, admired for its power to hydrate, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. Still, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its derivation plays a key role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple primary sources: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these sources has serious ethical ramifications.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Historically, squalane oil was often extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this practice has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are slaughtered on a massive scale for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. In addition, squalane oil makeup remover the methods used are inhumane and are environmentally destructive.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution. It is produced from plants, avoiding reliance on animal harvesting. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also results in a high-quality product for skincare routines.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among botanical-based squalane oils, two sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-derived squalane oil. While each offer botanical options, their environmental impact varies greatly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for ethical reasons. Olives are a plentiful resource that generate fewer emissions. 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
In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to notable issues. Sugarcane farming uses massive amounts of water and often results in environmental degradation. As a result, it becomes environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers a plethora of advantages for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil seeps efficiently into the skin, delivering profound hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for those with combination 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 pure formulation reduces redness, making it great for easily irritated skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have dry, normal skin, squalane oil provides remarkable results. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also treat your skin to one of the best ingredients available.