Found within our skin's sebum, this hydrocarbon helps to prevent water loss (TEWL - trans-epidermal water loss) and acts as an emollient. By supporting skin hydration, squalane helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother appearance. It also offers improve hair hydration, enhanced shine, heat protection, and enhanced flexibility and manageability of hair. Squalane is produced naturally by the body, however production slows after the age of 30, potentially contributing to dryness. While they sound very similar, Squalane differs from squalene in its structure and origin / sourcing. This difference results in lower stability of squalene, one of the main reasons that squalane is instead used in cosmetic formulations.