Squalane oil has earned a important place in the skincare market, celebrated for its capacity to nourish, protect, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. Still, not all squalane oil is the same. Its origin plays a crucial role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.

Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil can be derived from a pair of major categories: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The preference between these options carries significant ethical implications.

Squalane Oil from Animal Sources

Traditionally, squalane oil was commonly derived from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are an abundant provider of squalene, which is converted into squalane oil. Sadly, this practice has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are unsustainable and raise global concerns.

Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice

In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal sacrifice. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a high-quality product for skincare applications.

Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources

Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two types stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer plant-based options, their sustainability differs significantly.

Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice

Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for ethical reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that require less water. What’s more, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as squalane oil from sugarcane.

Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short

By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with significant eco-concerns. Sugarcane cultivation uses large quantities of water and often results in pollution. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than squalane oil from olives.

The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil offers numerous advantages for every skin type. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:

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

Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s ideal for all skin types, including oily skin.

Reduces Fine Lines: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.

Calming for Irritated Skin: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for easily irritated skin.

Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

Whether you have dry, mature skin, squalane oil provides remarkable benefits. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also give your complexion one of the best products available.