Sharks and olives? Let´s see…

One lives in the ocean, one grows on trees. One is a fish, one is a fruit (a stone fruit, to be precise). One I am not so keen on meeting, one I really enjoy on my pizza.

So they have nothing in common? Wrong.

 

Both sharks and olives are used to provide squalene, which is then  saturated and transformed into squalane. And that one is widely used in skincare as moisturizer and antioxidant.

Now I absolutely stay away from squalene made from shark liver, which still can be found in products in the US or outside Europe, but I have no problem whatsoever with murdering olives in the name of beauty!

Which is why I was very excited to get sent the SQpure Squalane oil (*) to test. Made from olives, promised!

 

What SQpure claims:

A natural, non-greasy, odorless, colorless, non-staining and easily absorbed oil. Gives a healthy appearance to the skin and protects against loss of moisture. Effectively softens skin and diminishes fine lines. Reduces freckles and acne scars. Enhances skin elasticity and moisture retention. Fights aging and rejuvenates skin. Creates a protective barrier. Nourishes skin with vital nutrients and induces new cell growth. Suitable for all ages and all skin types, mostly ultra-senstitive skin.

 

Facts:

Prize and size:

You get 30 ml in a see-though plastic container that comes with a pump, and it is available for 25 € here. The packaging is sturdy and doesn’t leak.

Texture and smell

Just as claimed, the oil is odor and colorless. Despite Squalane being described as a dry oil (based on reviews of different products I have found) on my skin it felt a little greasy when applied. Not in an unpleasant way, but more than I experienced with other facial oils. It did absorb quickly though, so it didn’t bother me.

 

Application and effect

One drop was enough for my face and neck, and I can see the bottle lasting absolutely ages that way, making it really good value for money. I used it as my last step in the evenings and woke up to baby-soft and plump skin. If it had an effect on my scars and sun damage I cant really say. They do fade at the same pace as they usually do, but I have been using different products to lighten them for ages now, so I can´t say if that one would make a bigger difference on skin that isn’t used to chemical peels.

As it is advertised to be used on hair, cuticles and dry body patches as well I did. It did great in moisturizing my elbows and cuticles, I didn’t like it as much on my hair as I do other oils though.

 

Favorable ingredients:

• Squalane

As is is just what it claims to be, pure squalane, I will focus on that one a little longer: Squalene (the precursor) is part of the hydro-lipid barrier that is in our skin, holding moisture within. It is produced by sebum glands and is said to work as antioxidant. As we age, the squalene production, among many other things, is reduced, making aging skin more prone to dehydration.

Squalene is an essential part of the “mediterranean diet” as well, which is said to help prevent cancer. But eating olives and covering your face in oil are obviously two pair of shoes, so I wouldn’t buy into anyone telling you that it has a similar effect.

Just saying.

Unfavorable Ingredients:

None. Zero. The product is just this. Squalane.

 

Does it live up to its claims?

Most of them.

Moisture retention, antioxidant, plumping the skin, odor- and colorless, creating a protective barrier, softens skin, I wholeheartedly agree with all of them. And above all, it is one of the very few products I would recommend to anyone with very sensitive skin without a doubt.

But inducing new cell growth? I am not so sure about that one. It is a pretty big claim after all, and one I wouldn’t feel 100% comfortable with anyway.

 

Will I rebuy?

Yes.

Will I use it exclusively and ditch all my other oils? No.

I love the effect. It is great value for money. It has just that one ingredient, nothing to worry about. What is not to love?

 

Who do I recommend it to?

Anyone.

If you have sensitive skin – That one is great.

If you are dehydrated – It will do the job.

If you are getting older – Made for you.

If you are on a budget – It will last you a lifetime.

It is like the trusted friend that will always be there for you to rely on.

 

Have you heard about Squalane before?

And do you prefer sharks over olives?

 

If you want to read more about skincare, please check out the „Skincare Reviews“ category in the side bar.

The product was provided as a PR sample and the post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are honest and my own.