Squalane oil has gained a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its capacity 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 enhanced stability. That said, not all squalane oil is created equal. Its origin plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.

Where Squalane Oil Comes From

Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major categories: animal-derived and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these sources has serious ethical ramifications.

Squalane Oil from Animal Sources

In the past, squalane oil was commonly derived from the livers of sharks. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Sadly, this approach has severe ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the methods used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.

Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice

In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a more responsible and environmentally conscious alternative. It is sourced from plants, eliminating the need on animal harvesting. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare applications.

Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources

Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, a pair of sources stand out: squalane oil from olives and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While both offer vegan options, their environmental impact is not the same.

The Benefits of Olive-Derived Squalane Oil

Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for sustainable purposes. Olives are a plentiful resource that are minimally wasteful. On top of that, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.

The Environmental Downside of Sugarcane-Derived Squalane Oil

On the other hand, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is responsible for substantial environmental challenges. Sugarcane cultivation consumes excessive volumes of water and often results in environmental degradation. This makes it less eco-friendly than olive-derived options.

Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior

Squalane oil offers countless benefits for all skin types. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:

Deep Hydration: Squalane oil absorbs deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue.

Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture keeps it a great choice for those with combination skin.

Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while guarding against free radicals.

Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its mild formulation eases irritation, keeping it ideal for delicate skin.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have sensitive, normal skin, squalane oil delivers incredible benefits. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you support squalane oil and eczema ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes one of the best solutions available.