Learn More About Olive Squalene

Jul 31, 2017by Julie - F&F

Squalene is naturally found in the skin.

Everyone (in fact, every mammal) is born with around 12% Squalene in their skin. Squalene is the skin’s principal lipid, natural emollient, built-in moisturiser and skin antioxidant. The amount of Squalene in the skin diminishes with age, and is exacerbated by modern living and environmental factors.

 

Squalene is part of the skin’s Acid Mantle, its protective barrier.

When sebum and sweat combine – they form a film on the skin known as the acid mantle. It’s our skin’s own protective barrier to the harsh external environment. If the acid mantle is disrupted (through harsh chemicals / oxidative stress) or loses its acidity, the skin becomes prone to damage and infection.

 

Choose Vegan Squalene!

Squalene can be (unfortunately) obtained from sharks but, at Botáni, they use the vegan alternative, Squalene that comes from the pip of the humble olive. They choose olives that are grown organically in the fertile soils of Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean. The olive pips are cold pressed and bottled in eco-friendly, amber bottles filled in Botani's Melbourne warehouse.

 

How does olive Squalene penetrate the skin?

Olive Squalene is a plant active with a molecular structure that resembles human skin, allowing it to penetrate the dermis and synthesize quickly without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue behind.

 

How does Olive Squalene help our skin?

  1. Natural Emollient - Squalene is the natural alternative to mineral oils (petrochemicals). Mineral oils do not allow the skin to function naturally and while they may make the skin feel soft and smooth, they provide no long-term benefits. Acting as a film on the skin’s surface, much like a layer of cling film, they are not only incompatible with our skin, they suffocate cells by not allowing the skin to breathe.
  2. Skin Hydrator - Olive Squalene has been clinically proven to provide immediate and long lasting hydration, locking in moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
  3. Anti-Ageing Antioxidant and UV Barrier - Olive Squalene is a proven antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. A proven SPF booster, it cancels out the cell damaging effects of free radicals caused by UV exposure leading to premature ageing.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory; Calms Atopic Skin - It’s clinically proven to reduce redness and calm irritation making it an ideal solution for those prone to eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis.

 

What’s the Difference Between Squalene and Squalane?

Both of these substances are natural components that are found in our skin. The key difference is that Squalene can become unstable and spoil when exposed to oxygen. You will only find Squalene present in Botani's serum formulas such as Olive Skin Serum and Acai Berry Active Antioxidant Serum. These are contained in an eco-friendly amber glass dropper-bottle with minimal exposure to air. Squalane is a hydrogenated form of Squalene - still a natural, botanical lipid but is more stable than Squalene. You will find Squalene in our moisturisers and cleansers! Where can I find Squalene in Botáni products? Most of our products contain Squalene or Squalane but Botani's hero product, which they deem is as ‘vital to skin as water is to life’ is the Botáni Olive Skin Serum, it contains 99.7% Certified Organic Olive Squalene.  

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