Being an informed consumer is more important than ever, but where to start? We are thrilled to hear from Melanie Laberge on part of this issue!
Squalene, what is that? I remember the first time I heard there was shark in cosmetics, I was just in a state of shock. Squalene is highly prized for its moisturizing, wrinkle prevention, smoothing and restorative properties, it is in high demand by our youth-loving culture. It’s also used as an emollient in sunscreen, foundation, face moisturizers, lipstick, eye makeup, tanning oil, and many other products. Twenty-five percent of sharks are facing extinction and they are being put in everything, from fish and chips to your lipstick, and people are not aware because the information is being concealed and kept from the public.
Three million sharks are being targeted each year for the livers, just to create Squalene. These are deep-sea sharks, threatened species, are hunted for their organs to supply the global demand for this oil which is around 1,000 – 2,000 tons per year. It has been estimated it takes 3,000 sharks to create one ton of Squalene. These deep-sea sharks are at such a great risk of overfishing that scientists have concluded they should not be caught at all. Since they are being killed for just one body part, there is nothing sustainable about this practice, mainly because of the ecological importance sharks play in keeping the oceans healthy. Also, killing off Apex predators, affects the top of the food chain and creates a ripple effect throughout the sea. Encouraging the decimation of sharks kills the sea and if the oceans die, life on land will cease to exist. The excessive targeting of these sharks has assisted in driving world shark populations below ten percent of what they were in 1950.
It’s important to know what is in the products you are buying and although plant-based Squalane does exist and is used by many brands, countless brand names still use shark-based oil. Squalene is also found in amaranth seeds, rice bran, wheat germ, fungi, and date palm. Manufacturers claim that plant alternatives possess significantly lower quantities of the oil, consequently it takes more effort to harvest plant-based squalene and, as a result, costs around 30% more. These two factors – price and potency – make shark squalene the most desired source in the market, and a driving deep water sharks into extinction. Squalene is said to be effective in treating colds, flu, chronic infections, asthma, tumors and cancers however the American Cancer Society states that there is currently little to no scientific evidence to support these claims. Putting shark oil on your skin will most likely bring on health problems, then cure them.
When looking for shark-free skin care or makeup, be sure to see the name Squalane on it, but don’t be fooled. Squalene and squalane can both come from sharks. Squalane is a saturated form of squalene in which the double bonds have been eliminated by hydrogenation.
Because squalane is less susceptible to oxidation, is odorless and has a longer efficacy, it is more commonly used in personal care products than squalene. The problem right now, is getting the sourcing of the oil revealed and brands refuse to be transparent regarding where they get their oil, so they just write Squalane.
I recommend buying 100% plant derived Squalane and they confirm on the bottle that it is vegan. Only then, can you trust what is in the product you are buying. Always look for 100% vegan Squalane cosmetics, this way you will know your money is not contributing to the collapse of the biggest ecosystem on earth.
Makeup brands need to be transparent and tell the consumers what they are funding by buying their products and they have the right to know if this product is shark-free or not. Remember to stay away from Squalene, and if it’s Squalane, do some digging into finding the sourcing of the oil used.
This is 2019, skin care and cosmetics should all be sustainable and help in regenerating our natural world, and not contribute in its destruction. Buying vegan Squalane, ensures we will have a future which will be thriving in all it’s beauty. Go #Sharkfree Today!
This article written and contributed by: Melanie Laberge
September 2019
Want to learn more? Check out Melanie's article about BYCATCH here and learn more about how you can be SharkFree in order to save sharks and the sea!