Squalane oil has earned a important place in the skincare world, admired for its capacity to moisturize, defend, and rejuvenate the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid organically created 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 derivation plays a significant role in determining its ethics and eco-friendliness.

Understanding the Sources of Squalane Oil

Squalane oil can be obtained from multiple key origins: animal-derived and vegetable-sourced materials. The choice between these sources is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.

Squalane Oil from Animal Sources

Historically, squalane oil was often sourced from shark liver oil. Sharks are an abundant repository of squalene, which is transformed into squalane oil. Sadly, this approach has major ethical problems. Millions of sharks are killed on a massive scale for their livers, leading to the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the methods used are highly unethical and have been widely criticized.

Botanical-Based Squalane Oil

In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is an ethical and environmentally conscious solution. It is extracted from plants, avoiding reliance on animal harvesting. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also produces a premium-grade product for skincare use.

Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane

Among vegetable-sourced squalane oils, two categories stand out: olive-derived squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer vegan alternatives, their eco-friendliness varies greatly.

Olive Squalane: A Superior Choice

Olive-derived squalane oil is widely regarded as preferable for environmental purposes. Olives are a sustainable 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 linked to substantial eco-concerns. what does squalane oil come from Sugarcane production consumes large quantities of water and often produces environmental degradation. Thus, it is less eco-friendly than the olive alternative.

Why Squalane Oil is Good for Your Skin

Squalane oil offers countless benefits for all skin types. Here’s why it is so highly regarded in skincare:

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

Perfect for Combination Skin: Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for even the oiliest skin.

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

Gentle Yet Effective: Its natural formulation reduces redness, rendering it ideal for delicate skin.

Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil offers unparalleled results. By choosing plant-based options, specifically olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace sustainability but also treat your skin to one of the best products available.