Understanding Squalane: Plant-Based vs. Animal-Sourced
Squalane is a highly prized moisturizing ingredient in the skincare world, but its origins are not always clear to the average consumer. Historically, and unfortunately, squalane was harvested from the livers of sharks. This practice, which has serious ethical and ecological implications, is still in use by some less transparent companies. Thankfully, growing consumer awareness has led many brands to adopt plant-based sources for their squalane, with the most common derivations coming from olives, sugarcane, and amaranth.
What Is the Source of Tatcha's Squalane?
Tatcha has publicly stated that the squalane in its products is an all-natural, olive-derived emollient. This makes the squalane itself a vegan ingredient. The brand emphasizes that its formulas are rooted in time-tested Japanese beauty secrets, which often incorporate botanical ingredients. By sourcing their squalane from olives, Tatcha provides a hydrating ingredient that is consistent with vegan principles.
The Nuance: Why Tatcha is Not a Fully Vegan Brand
While Tatcha's squalane is vegan, it is critical to understand that Tatcha is not a 100% vegan brand. Many consumers conflate 'cruelty-free' with 'vegan', but the two terms are not synonymous. A product can be cruelty-free (not tested on animals) but still contain animal byproducts like honey or beeswax. Tatcha is considered a cruelty-free brand but, as confirmed by Ethical Elephant and their own website, offers both vegan and non-vegan products. For example, some of their items contain ingredients like royal jelly, silk-derived components (sericin), or pearl protein. Therefore, if a product contains Tatcha's vegan squalane but also includes one of these other animal-derived ingredients, the final product is not vegan.
Checking for Other Animal Ingredients in Tatcha Products
To ensure a product is vegan, customers must check the full ingredient list, not just the presence of squalane. A perfect example of this is a product like The Dewy Serum, which contains squalane but also lists hydrolyzed collagen and hydrolyzed elastin, both of which are animal-derived.
Here are the steps to follow when checking a specific Tatcha product:
- Look for Tatcha's vegan list: The brand maintains a specific section on its website listing products suitable for vegans. This is the most reliable method.
- Read the full ingredient label: If a product is not explicitly on the vegan list, check the ingredient deck. Familiarize yourself with common non-vegan ingredients.
- Verify third-party certifications: Look for external certifications like the Vegan Trademark, Certified Vegan, or PETA's Cruelty-Free and Vegan label on the packaging.
- Search Sephora's vegan section: Sephora lists specific Tatcha products that are vegan on its website, which can be a helpful cross-reference.
Comparison Table: Squalane Sourcing Options
| Source | Vegan Status | Key Advantages | Ethical Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive-Derived (Tatcha) | Yes | Plant-based, rich in moisture | Sustainable if sourced responsibly. |
| Sugarcane-Derived | Yes | Often considered purer and more stable, highly sustainable. | Ethical sourcing, no impact on animal life. |
| Shark Liver Oil | No | Historically a potent source. | Highly unethical, contributes to the killing of endangered sharks. |
| Amaranth Oil | Yes | Plant-based, good source of squalene. | Eco-friendly alternative. |
The Takeaway for Ethical Consumers
While Tatcha's commitment to using olive-derived squalane is a positive step for vegan consumers, it is only one piece of the puzzle. The brand's parent company, Unilever, is not cruelty-free, which is another factor for some ethical shoppers to consider. Consumers who want to purchase exclusively vegan products must remain vigilant and check each product individually, either by consulting Tatcha's dedicated vegan list or meticulously reviewing the ingredients. Do not assume that because the brand uses a vegan form of one ingredient, all of its products are free from animal-derived components.
In conclusion, the squalane in Tatcha's products is indeed vegan, sourced from olives. However, this does not mean every product from the brand is vegan. The brand is cruelty-free but not 100% vegan, and consumers must check product-specific ingredient lists or vegan guides to ensure their purchases align with their ethical preferences.
For more detailed information on their olive-derived squalane, you can visit Tatcha's official blog.
