Beauty Trend 2022– Squalane: Anyone who has done a little research into beauty products has probably already stumbled upon the magical ingredient in various cosmetics (not to be confused with SqualEn). Squalane oil is being hailed as the newest skincare superstar. Dermatologists and naturopaths call it the best moisturizing product of the time.
It might not sound so glamorous, but it might be the greatest thing that's happened to your skin since hyaluronic acid. The natural ingredient is described as a friend to dry and oily skin, with the ingenious ability to hydrate and strengthen without clogging pores. But how ethical is it to use it? Here's everything you need to know.
Squalene vs. Squalane – What’s the Difference
Squalene is an oil commonly extracted from the liver of sharks and used in the cosmetic, medical and pharmaceutical industries. It was discovered in 1916 and its name derives from the shark family Squalidae from which it was first obtained. Squalene and squalane (the latter is a processed version) increase the absorption of creams, prevent skin moisture loss and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These factors make it a sought-after ingredient in anti-aging products, but it can also be found in lipsticks, eye makeup, tanning oils and foundations.
Squalene is found in small amounts in the human body. It can also be extracted from certain plants such as sugar cane, olives and fruits. However, the largest known amounts of this oil are found in the livers of deep-sea sharks.
Squalene is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated hydrocarbon. In its natural state, it has a short shelf life as it tends to go rancid when exposed to oxygen, making it difficult to use as an ingredient in beauty products.
Squalane is the answer to this problem. It is a hydrogenated version of squalene, meaning the hydrogen it contains does not react with oxygen like squalene does. It offers the same moisturizing properties and skin benefits as squalene, just with a much longer shelf life.
Beauty Trend 2022 – Squalane: How it works on skin and hair
Squalane oil for skin:Moisturized skin is healthy skin. When applied topically, the 2022 beauty trend – squalane – has enormous advantages. Increasing moisture levels makes your skin appear more vibrant and healthy. The antioxidants in these oils and creams also fight skin damage and free radicals, both of which can accelerate the aging process. Regular use can also boost collagen production, resulting in firmer skin.
Benefits of Squalane for Hair:Squalane oil is not just for the face. You can also apply the oil to your hair. Moisturizing your hair can increase shine and prevent breakage. Hair has its own natural oils. But weather, age, diet and heat damage can dry out your curls.Beauty Trend 2022– Squalane, can replenish your strands and protect your hair from further damage.
Beauty Trend 2022 – Squalane vs. Hyaluronic Acid?
Unlike hyaluronic acid, which increases the skin's water content, squalene is a mega-hydrator that acts as a barrier, locking in moisture so skin is soft, supple and plump for longer.
Over time, the level of squalene in the skin also decreases, but the antioxidant molecule can be obtained from plant sources such as rice bran and olives for topical use. Squalene in its pure form can oxidize andclog the pores. The super-light squalane oil obtained through hydrogenation, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life and is considered far more stable for cosmetic and skin care applications.
The natural antioxidant emollient oil is suitable for all skin types, especially mature skin. It combats UV damage and skin pigmentation and is highly effective in brightening dull skin as well as reducing fine lines, scars and wrinkles for a more radiant and youthful complexion.
Since both products have similar features and benefits, which product you choose really comes down to personal preference! Why not try using the two products in layers for maximum effect? First use hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin and thenBeauty Trend 2022– Squalane to lock in and retain moisture.
Sharks are incredibly important when it comes to keeping our oceans healthy. As top predators, they feed on the animals below them in the food chain. By eliminating sick and weak animals, sharks help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems. Yet shark populations worldwide have declined by about 70% over the past 50 years.
According to conservative estimates, humans kill 100 million sharks every year. In the past, the popularity of shark fin soup has been blamed for this number, but as Greenpeace noted in 2021, shark overfishing is being driven by much larger international trade.
The $532 billion cosmetics industry produces 90% of the world's shark liver oil. This contributes to the deaths of around 2.7 million deep-sea sharks per year. About 3,000 sharks are needed to produce 1 ton of squalane.
Are there alternatives to shark squalene?
The short answer is: yes. Squalene can be obtained from plants such as olives, rice bran, wheat germ and amaranth seeds. It is also found in large quantities in virgin olive oil. As with many herbal ingredients, cost is also a factor here. A report from early 2021 states that squalene derived from olives is 30% more expensive than squalene from shark liver. However, companies are taking measures to develop new sources. Until then, it's best to purchase certified vegan makeup and skin care products to avoid using shark liver squalene.
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