Linoleic Acid for Skin Care

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Table of Contents

I. Linoleic Acid

A. What is Linoleic Acid?

B. Benefits of Linoleic Acid

C. How To Include Linoleic Acid Into Your Routine

D. Linoleic Acid for Skin Care



II. Linoleic Acid vs Oleic Acid

A. What is Oleic Acid?

B. Difference Between Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid

C. Linoleic Acid and Oleic Acid Food Sources

D. Oleic Acid for Skin Care



III. Linoleic Acid vs Linolenic Acid

A.  What is Alpha Linolenic Acid?

B. Linoleic Acid vs Linolenic Acid

C. Linoleic and Linolenic Acid Food Sources

D. Best Oils High in Gamma Linolenic Acid


E. Best Oils High in Alpha Linolenic Acid


I. Linoleic Acid

A. What is Linoleic Acid?

Linoleic acid is one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare that helps to improve the skin's protective barrier while also providing excellent hydrating and healing properties. Interestingly, since this oil can nourish your face without causing extra oiliness or clogged pores.

Linoleic acid is an Omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA), meaning that although it is needed for human health, the body cannot produce it. Together with Omega-3 EFAs, Omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, support healthy metabolism, good cognitive function, and healthy skin and hair growth. This multipurpose compound is essential for healthy tissue and cell growth.

Linoleic acid, whose name is derived from the Greek words "linon," which means "flax," and "oleic," which means "produced from oil," is an unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fats are essential for encouraging cell regeneration and keeping skin smooth, elastic, and young-looking.


B. Benefits of Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid for Skin
Linoleic acid can be used on all skin types, but those with dry or acne-prone skin may find it most beneficial. Acne patients have been demonstrated to have reduced linoleic acid levels in their skin surface lipids.

However, even if low levels of linoleic acid aren't the cause of your acne, the ingredient is still beneficial for acne-prone skin because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne.

Linoleic Acid for Hair
Linoleic acid stimulates hair growth, maintains a healthy scalp conditions, and will control water loss in your hair.

Linoleic Acid for Eczema
Application of topical moisturizers is an essential part of the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). A study suggest that Linoleic acid can improve barrier dysfunction and clinical severity of AD. However, emollients should be used on a regular basis, patients should choose a product by individual preference following recommendation by their dermatologists.


C. How to Include Linoleic Acid Into Your Routine

You can find this ingredients in a variety of cleansers, serums, and facial moisturizers. It is safe to use as needed, up to twice daily. To make sure you are not allergic to linoleic acid or any other substances in the product, it is advisable to start with a patch test. Allow it to sit for roughly 48 hours to see if any sensitivity or reaction occurs.

D. Linoleic Acid for Skin Care

1. Safflower Seed Oil Face Moisturizer 


- Nutrient Rich
Has one of the highest levels of Linoleic Acid of any carrier oils. Consists of 72.31 Linoleic Acid and 16 Oleic Acid. High in vitamin E for healthy skin.

- Non Comedogenic
Although noncomedogenic safflower oil can be used for different skin types it works especially well for those with oily acne prone skin. It has a comedogenic rating of zero to help prevent break outs from clogged pores. With a high Linoleic acid content it helps to keep the sebum, the skin's natural oil, levels balanced. Safflower oil act as a lubricant that prevents water from leaving the skin, thereby locking in the moisture for healthy, glowing skin.

- Other Uses
Hair conditioner and moisturizer adds shine to hair while moisturizing the scalp to prevent dryness. Promotes Skin Elasticity for supple skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles for an anti aging toner. Use it as a base oil for your own DIY soap making. The oil is capable of softening up dry areas smooth rough patches and even improve both the texture and tone of your skin when used as a daily anti-aging facial moisturizer.

- Packaging
Packaged in Dark Amber Glass Bottle for longevity. Protects light sensitive oils from oxidation.

Is Safflower Oil High in Linoleic Acid?

Safflower oil has almost 75% linoleic acid. This oil may have anti-inflammatory effects, offer antioxidant effects, promote wound healing and repair your skin barrier.


I don’t write reviews, but I’m so impressed with this that I had to. I have super sensitive combination skin. Every moisturizer I tried before this broke me out (I tried CeraVe, Aveeno, Kiehl’s, Vanicream, Clinique, etc). I had given up, but my skin was so dry. I took a chance with this. One week in, and I’m not having any of the problems I had before. It’s a miracle. My skin is well moisturized. No scent for me. I would strongly recommend giving this a try.

2. Mayan's Secret USDA Certified Organic Safflower Seed Oil for Anti-aging Skin


- Guaranteed Highest Quality, USDA Certified Organic Safflower Seed Oil
Unparalleled purity and concentration. Natural, with no adulterants or dilution, with Mayan’s Secret oils you get the maximum benefit possible and are uncompromising. Mayan’s Secret is a trusted certified organic facility where we adhere to strict regulations therefore you can trust that our oils are top quality truly genuine never diluted or compromised in any way. Certified by QAI to ensure the absence of harmful products as well as the proper handling of the oil in all stages of production.

- High in Linoeic Acid
Thanks to its high level of linoleic acid, it's excellent for helping to balance the sebum levels in the skin. And with its light, non-greasy consistency, Mayan’s Secret organic safflower oil is absorbed quickly into the skin, making it an excellent moisturizing facial oil suitable for all skin types.

- Other Uses
Hair conditioner and moisturizer adds shine to hair while moisturizing the scalp to prevent dryness. Promotes Skin Elasticity for supple skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles for an anti aging toner. Use it as a base oil for your own DIY soap making. The oil is capable of softening up dry areas smooth rough patches and even improve both the texture and tone of your skin when used as a daily anti-aging facial moisturizer.

- Nothing Added or Taken Away 
Large 4oz Dark amber Glass bottle with glass dropper extends shelf life as oils are light sensitive & must be stored in dark amber bottles to protect from oxidation. Unlike plastic containers, glass will not leach chemicals into the oil. Please keep bottle in a dark cabinet. Refrigeration can help to extend the normal shelf life of two years.


3. Safflower Oil 16 oz Cold Pressed 100% Pure Natural Carrier

Safflower Oil 16 oz Cold Pressed 100% Pure Natural Carrier


Safflower Oil is obtained from ripe seeds taken from the Carthamus tinctorius. Safflower is a highly moisturizing oil that is deeply soothing and one of the first choices among manufacturers for cosmetics requiring a moisturizing oil. It is also very popular in massage blends as it is easily absorbed, and can be washed from sheets without heavy staining. 

- highly moisturizing oil 
- often used in cosmetics 
- popular in massage blends

This is the second bottle I bought. First one last me more than a year. I like to use safflower oil to remove my makeup. It’s non comedogenic, not clogging your pores. Also use as body oil and apply on cuticles. Works great.

4. Life-flo Pure Safflower Oil


- Moisturize
Natural moisturizer for skin and hair or a base for creams, lotions and hair care products

- Soften
Helps soften dryness and soothe skin while acting as a protective barrier

- Massage
One of the most popular bases for massage oils due to its emollient feel and absorbability

Ratings
4.7 out of 5 - more than 1,300 global ratings

This is my first experience using Safflower Oil and so far I am loving it. It is a great moisturizer on my legs, which always get so dry. I find that this oil absorbs faster and is much less greasy than coconut oil, which I was previously using. I can also use it on my face without it making me break out like some other oils do.

I bought Thanaka powder along with this, as the combination is supposed bring about permanent hair removal, so we'll see how that goes. But it definitely leaves my skin feeling much softer after just a week of use. I haven't used it on my hair yet, but plan to once the colder winter weather gets here.

This is a good price for a great product and I will buy from this seller again.

5. Naissance Organic Safflower Oil 

Naissance Organic Safflower Oil

Organic Safflower Oil is great for skincare. Thanks to its rich feeling on the skin, it is ideal for those with particularly dry, irritated mature skin. It works well as an all over moisturiser and it is an emollient which helps support the skin barrier function.

With its silky feeling on the skin, Safflower Oil is a gentle yet effective face and body moisturiser. It won’t block your pores and it suitable for all skin types. For rapid absorption and non-greasy feeling, applying a few drops of Safflower to your cleansed skin every day will leave it feeling nourished, soft and dewy.

I almost didn't purchase because it had so few reviews. This moisturizes my skin and once it absorbs, it's not greasy at all. I have noticed my fave is less greasy at day's end, too. I also use it on my kids. Super happy with this purchase

6. DERMA E Vitamin E Skin Oil with Safflower Oil


- Vitamin E Facial Oil
This intensive Vitamin E Oil delivers hydration and moisture deep into dry skin, soothing, softening, conditioning and rejuvenating by reducing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.

- Hypoallergenic & Fragrance Free
The Vitamin E treatment is suitable for use on even sensitive skin, shielding the face from the elements and protecting from free radical damage without irritation.

- All Natural Formula
This vegan face oil is enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E (14,000 IU) with a base of pure Safflower Oil to soothe and hydrate dry, flaky skin and support the skin barrier.

- Everyday Skin Care
For best results, pour a small amount of liquid Vitamin E onto the fingertips and apply to the entire face, neck and any dry patches in light upward strokes. Use as desired.

- Derma E
Clean beauty products that harness nature’s most effective ingredients. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, our eco-ethical skin care products contain no parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin, gluten, soy or GMOs, and are supplied in recyclable packaging.

Ratings
4.6 out of 5 - more than 700 global ratings

I have very sensitive skin and rely on this to provide additional moisturizing. Works great.

II. Linoleic Acid vs Oleic Acid

A. What is Oleic Acid?

Oleic acid is a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found in various animal and vegetable sources. Oleic acid is considered to be highly stable to oxidation and also can enhance the activity of antioxidants and antipolymerization agents. (Source)

B. Difference Between Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid Vs Oleic Acid for Skin
Your ability to choose between the fatty acids will depend on your skin type. Linoleic acid-rich oils are thinner, but oleic acid-rich oils are thicker and provide deeper hydration.

Linoleic acid is lighter than oleic acid, making it easier for the skin to absorb. Linoleic acid can help with acne since people with acneic skin typically have lower quantities of linoleic than oleic acid in their sebum. As a result, oils with increased linoleic acid content are advantageous for managing acne.

It's a better choice for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Oleic acid, on the other hand, feels richer and thicker. That helps people whose skin is aged, dry, and dehydrated.

Linoleic Acid Vs Oleic Acid for Hair
Even though oleic acid and linoleic acid are different fatty acids but both are assets to our strands. Linoleic acid stimulates hair growth, maintains a healthy scalp conditions, and will control water loss in your hair. Oleic acid will also control water loss in your strands while softening your hair and make it more pliable.

C. Linoleic Acid and Oleic Acid Food Sources

Dietary sources of linoleic acid: vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, soybean, corn, and canola oils as well as nuts and seeds.

Dietary sources of oleic acid: macademia oil, olive oil, sunflower oil.

D. Oleic Acid for Skin Care








III. Linoleic Acid vs Linolenic Acid

A. What is Alpha Linolenic Acid?

Alpha linolenic acid is highly concentrated in certain plant oils and has been reported for its anti-inflammatory properties. Linolenic acid is used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning and skin-restorative component.

B. Linoleic Acid vs Linolenic Acid

Source

Linoleic acid (LA) is an omega-6 fatty acid, while α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. Both are the two essential fatty acids required in the diet. They help to support healthy metabolism, good cognitive function, and healthy skin and hair growth. This multipurpose compound is essential for healthy tissue and cell growth. 

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid having the chemical formula C18H32O2 while linoleic acid an essential fatty acid having the chemical formula C18H30O2. However, the key difference between linoleic acid and linolenic acid is that linoleic acid contains two double bonds with cis configuration while linolenic acid contains three double bonds with cis configuration. (Source)

According to the configurations in these compounds, we can denote linoleic acid as 18:2 cis-9,12 and linolenic acid as 18:3 cis-9,12,15. 

C. Linoleic and Linolenic Acid Food Sources

Dietary sources of linoleic acid: vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, soybean, corn, and canola oils as well as nuts and seeds.

Dietary sources of gamma linolenic acid: Various plant seed oils such as borage oil and evening primrose oil.

Dietary sources of alpha linolenic acid: flaxseed oil, chia seeds, hemp seeds, canola oil, soybean oil.

D. Best Oils High in Gamma Linolenic Acid

 



E. Best Oils High in Alpha Linolenic Acid




FAQ

a. Why Linoleic Acid is an Essential Fatty Acid?


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