Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare market, praised for its capacity to moisturize, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. However, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its derivation plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.

Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil can be sourced from multiple key categories: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these categories carries significant ethical implications.

Animal-Based Squalane Oil

In the past, squalane oil was frequently extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are an abundant natural source of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has severe ethical consequences. Millions of sharks are harvested every year for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the practices used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.

Botanical-Based Squalane Oil

In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. It is sourced from plants, removing dependency on animal sacrifice. This option addresses animal welfare concerns but also results in a high-quality product for skincare use.

Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources

Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two primary types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer plant-based alternatives, their eco-friendliness is not the same.

The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil

Olive-derived squalane oil is viewed as preferable for ethical purposes. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits as squalane oil from sugarcane.

The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil

On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane production requires large quantities of water and often causes environmental degradation. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than olive-derived options.

The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil offers numerous skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:

Skin-Quenching Properties: Squalane oil penetrates deeply into the skin, offering long-lasting hydration without causing breakouts.

Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for those with combination squalane oil viscosity skin.

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

Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its mild formulation reduces redness, rendering it great for reactive skin.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have sensitive, mature skin, squalane oil provides remarkable results. By choosing botanical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you support sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective ingredients available.