Squalane oil has secured a important place in the skincare world, admired for its power to hydrate, defend, and revitalize the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering a longer shelf life. Still, not all squalane oil is of the same quality. Its origin plays a significant role in determining its sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Where Squalane Oil Comes From

Squalane oil can be sourced from multiple key sources: sourced from animals and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these categories has serious ethical ramifications.

Squalane Oil from Animal Sources

In the past, squalane oil was often sourced from shark-derived squalene. Sharks are a significant provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Regrettably, this approach has severe ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their livers, squalane oil in ear causing the depletion of shark populations and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the practices used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.

The Rise of Plant-Based Squalane Oil

In contrast, vegetable-based squalane oil is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. It is extracted from plants, removing dependency on animal slaughter. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also delivers a high-quality product for skincare routines.

Plant-Based Squalane Oil: Olive vs. Sugarcane

Among botanical-based squalane oils, two types stand out: olive-based squalane oil and sugarcane-based squalane oil. While these two offer botanical alternatives, their eco-friendliness 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 renewable resource that are minimally wasteful. What’s more, olive squalane oil retains equally excellent hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as other plant-based oils.

Why Sugarcane Squalane Oil Falls Short

In contrast, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is linked to substantial eco-concerns. Sugarcane farming requires excessive volumes of water and often causes waste. As a result, it becomes less eco-friendly than the olive alternative.

Squalane Oil: A Skin Savior

Squalane oil offers numerous advantages for varied complexions. Here’s why it stands out in skincare:

Intense Moisture: Squalane oil penetrates deeply into the skin, offering profound hydration without clogging pores.

Balancing for Oily Skin: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s ideal 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.

Gentle Yet Effective: Its mild formulation eases irritation, rendering it ideal for reactive skin.

Why Squalane Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

Whether you have oily, combination skin, squalane oil offers remarkable results. By choosing plant-based options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you embrace ethical practices but also ensure your beauty routine includes one of the best solutions available.