Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare world, celebrated for its capacity to hydrate, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid naturally produced in human skin cells, squalane oil is a hydrogenated version of squalene, offering improved longevity. That said, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a key role in determining its sustainability and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins is squalane oil good for nails of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple primary categories: sourced from animals and plant-derived materials. The preference between these categories carries significant ethical implications.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Traditionally, squalane oil was frequently extracted from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are known to be natural source of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this method has serious ethical problems. Millions of sharks are slaughtered annually for their livers, contributing to the depletion of shark populations and damaging marine ecosystems. Moreover, the processes used are inhumane and raise global concerns.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, plant-derived squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious option. It is extracted from plants, eliminating the need on animal harvesting. This option not only aligns with ethical practices 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 sources stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer botanical choices, their environmental impact is not the same.
Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered preferable for sustainable purposes. Olives are a plentiful resource that generate fewer emissions. What’s more, olive squalane oil offers comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with notable issues. Sugarcane cultivation consumes large quantities of water and often results in pollution. This makes it environmentally taxing than olive-derived options.
Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil penetrates efficiently into the skin, offering profound hydration without clogging pores.
Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for those with combination 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 natural formulation soothes sensitivity, keeping it great for delicate skin.
Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil provides remarkable benefits. By choosing botanical options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also ensure your beauty routine includes a highly effective products available.