Linoleic Acid for Skin Care

By -

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?


Related Articles




Comments

Post a Comment

Labels

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

7 Best Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthwash Brands 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
A meta-analysis of 3 studies (C19early 2025) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may significantly lower risk with  viral clearance . One study shows significant benefit. Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 83% [6‑97%] lower risk . Results are consistent with early treatment being more effective than late treatment. A study, published in Nature ( Takeda 2022 ) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations. Another team of international scientists has also demonstrated the usefulness of cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes in inhibiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and reducing the risk of viral transmission. The study is published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (2022). A scientific review, published in the  Journal of Formosan Medical Association  (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential fo...
Read more

8 Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements 2025: Benefits, Reviews and Prices

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D . An analysis of data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that average daily vitamin D intakes from foods and beverages were 4.3 mcg in men, 3.8 mcg in women, and 5 mcg (200 IU) in children aged 2–19 years ( NHANES 2017 - 2018 ). What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fats and oils and can be stored in your body for a long time. Vitamin D is important to the body in many ways. It helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements. Muscles need it to move, for example, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every body part, and the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D is found in cells throughout the body. Vitamin D Market Size The Global Vitamin D Market size was ...
Read more

10 Best Nasal Sprays for COVID-19 (2024)

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Do nasal sprays actually work against COVID-19? Can I use nasal spray if I have COVID-19?  The COVID-19 pandemic has been roaring on for 3 years. During this time, the FDA has authorized many treatments  that help combat COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have also been recommended by the CDC ever since the first ones were authorized in December 2020. However, medications that are already authorized are just a small percentage of what's been studied. Many researchers are still trying to find and develop other medications that can treat or prevent COVID-19. Among these, nasal sprays have caught the attention of many people. They’re often easy to use, and some researchers believe they could have a potential impact on the ongoing pandemic. But are any of them effective at treating or preventing COVID-19? And are any of them close to being available in the U.S.?  Which nasal sprays have been studied to treat or prevent COVID-19? A number of nasal sp...
Read more

9 Best Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and Vitamin K2 are vitamin and minerals that are vital to several bodily processes. Though they occur naturally in a variety of foods, many people take supplements to help increase their intake. Benefits and uses 1. May support bone health Calcium is the main mineral in your bones, which hold more than 99% of your body’s calcium stores. Your body is constantly regenerating its bone tissue, so it’s important to consume an adequate amount of this mineral daily ( bones.nih.gov ). Magnesium plays a key role in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids calcium absorption ( Trusted Source ). Therefore, you can minimize your vitamin D requirement by making sure you’re also getting enough magnesium. Research has confirmed higher magnesium intake helps reduce your risk of vitamin D deficiency by activating more of it.  A  groundbreaking 2017 review  compiled over 80 studies that show vitamin D3 and K2 together might be greater than...
Read more

12 Best Natural Ozempic Alternatives 2025 (Resource Guide)

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
If there's anything the Ozempic craze has taught us, it's that people are hungry for weight loss solutions. But as the world leans into wellness, many are now looking beyond pharmaceuticals, turning their gaze to nature's arsenal for blood sugar balance and metabolic health. The 2023 report from the World Obesity Federation estimates that the economic impact of overweight and obesity will surpass $4.3 trillion annually by 2035. In the U.S., the CDC  reports the prevalence of obesity in adults was 41.9% measured from 2017 to March 2020. This represented an increase from 30.5% from 1999 to 2000. The estimated annual medical costs were roughly $173 billion in 2019 dollars. The weight loss and weight management diet market size was valued at 192.2 billion in 2019, and is projected reach $295.3 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 7.0% from 2021 to 2027. ( source ) Prescriptions for semaglutide have doubled since mid-2021, rising to mor...
Read more

How Much Do Knee Gel Injections Cost? (2024)

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Knee pain injections are one of the best ways to target pain without long-term narcotics or unnecessary surgeries. It is no secret that the United States is currently facing an opioid epidemic. Recent medical research is now beginning to highlight the damage caused to our bodies by relying heavily on pain medication. In addition, knee replacement surgery and other invasive procedures carry risks such as blood clots, infection, and long rehabilitation periods. In the United States, knee pain injections cost approximately $1500. To receive the full benefit from these injections, 2-3 injections may be required. However, this is dependent on the type of knee pain. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common musculoskeletal disease affecting over 10 percent of the adult population and is a leading cause of disability within the United States. It’s estimated that more than 60 per cent of the worldwide population aged 65 and above has some form of the disease. ...
Read more

9 Best Vitamin D3, K2 and Magnesium Supplements 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
Magnesium, vitamin D and Vitamin K2 are vitamin and minerals that are vital to several bodily processes. Though they occur naturally in a variety of foods, many people take supplements to help increase their intake. Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K Dosage The typical daily dosage recommendations for these nutrients are: Magnesium: 400–500 mg Vitamin D3: 800 IU (20 mcg)  Vitamin K : 120mcg Food With Magnesium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K Magnesium: dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, leafy vegetables, and legumes Vitamin D3: avocados, nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy products and eggs Vitamin K: turnips, spinach, kale, brocolli, soybeans, carrots, Chicken If you’re concerned you may be deficient in any of these nutrients, talk to a health professional who can test your levels and determine whether you should eat more of these foods or take a supplement. Benefits and uses 1. May support bone health Magnesium  plays a key role in converting vitamin D into its active form, which aids calci...
Read more

The Science behind GLP‑1 Medications 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are transforming how we approach weight loss and metabolic health. But how do these medications actually work inside the body and what should you know to get the best results? In this article, we break down the science of GLP-1: what it is, how these drugs work, and why mimicking this hormone is helping millions achieve better health outcomes. Credit: GoodRx Health What Is GLP-1? GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone produced in your gut that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and how fast food leaves your stomach. When you eat, GLP-1 is released and sends signals to your pancreas, brain, and stomach to help your body manage nutrients more effectively. How GLP-1 Affects Blood Sugar GLP-1  stimulates  insulin production and reduces glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), but only when glucose levels are elevated. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. Ke...
Read more

10 Best Vitamin Supplement Brands for 2023

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
The global dietary supplement market is thriving—it was valued at $71.81 billion in 2021 and expected to reach $128.64 billion by 2028, at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 8.68% during 2021 - 2028; according to market research firm Fortune Business Insights .  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the vitamin and supplement industry, which can make identifying the top brands difficult. This, of course, puts the onus on buyers to do their research and be well-informed when evaluating labels. Knowing which brands to trust is essential—you want the ones that consistently follow best manufacturing processes, have transparent sourcing and supply chains and take extra measures to test and ensure the accuracy and safety of their products. Source   But it should be mentioned: Not everyone needs to take supplements. You can certainly get all your necessary vitamins and nutrients from ...
Read more

7 Best Organic Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements 2025

By Dr Frank Yap, MD -
Image
In recent weeks and months, several publications and studies have suggested that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D would seem potentially beneficial in fighting the COVID-19 infection. How do you know that your vitamin D level is adequate? Most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D. An analysis of data from the 2015–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that average daily vitamin D intakes from foods and beverages were 5.1 mcg (204 IU) in men, 4.2 mcg (168 IU) in women, and 4.9 mcg (196 IU) in children aged 2–19 years ( NHANES ). What Is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in fats and oils and can be stored in your body for a long time. Vitamin D is important to the body in many ways. It helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements. Muscles need it to move, for example, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain and every body part, and the immune syste...
Read more

Archive

Show more