Squalane oil has earned a important place in the skincare world, celebrated for its ability to moisturize, shield, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a refined version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its origin plays a key role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Where Squalane Oil Comes From
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of key origins: animal-based and botanical-based materials. The choice between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
In the past, squalane oil was often extracted from shark liver oil. Sharks are a significant natural source of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Regrettably, this practice has major ethical problems. Millions of sharks are harvested annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.
Botanical-Based Squalane Oil
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a more responsible and eco-friendly solution. It is produced from plants, removing dependency on animal harvesting. This option ensures humane sourcing but also results in a safe and effective product for skincare applications.
Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane
Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two primary types stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical options, their eco-friendliness differs significantly.
The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil
Olive-derived squalane squalane oil gallon oil is widely regarded as the superior choice for environmental purposes. Olives are a renewable resource that require less water. Additionally, olive squalane oil retains the same hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as other plant-based oils.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for notable environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming requires massive amounts of water and often results in waste. This makes it less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers countless skin-enhancing qualities for every skin type. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Intense Moisture: Squalane oil absorbs deeply into the skin, offering long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it ideal for even the oiliest skin.
Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while protecting against free radicals.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it ideal for delicate skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have sensitive, combination skin, squalane oil provides remarkable advantages. By choosing plant-based options, especially olive-derived squalane oil, you support ethical practices but also give your complexion one of the best solutions available.