August 28th, 2024

Skincare in Review: Linoleic Acid Is A Barrier Booster Hero Ingredient

Many people, when they hear the word “acid” think of corrosive, harsh, or in skincare’s case- resurfacing as ways to connect the meaning. In skincare, several types of acids are commonly used such as BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids such as salicylic acid), AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as mandelic, lactic and glycolic acid ), PHA (Polyhydroxy Acids such as gluconolactone, galactose and lactobionic acid), and sometimes Citric Acid (an antioxidant).

Some of those “acids” do have resurfacing properties, however there is another “acid” becoming more popular in skincare that does not have exfoliating properties, but rather properties that assist in improving skin health. Our little unknown hero ingredient? Linoleic Acid, or sometimes referred to as Vitamin F.

Saying that Linoleic Acid is Vitamin F though can be somewhat misleading. It is actually a combination of omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-6 linoleic acid (LA); two polyunsaturated fatty acids. The omega-6 fatty acid is part of Vitamin F. (1) (2)

Why Linoleic Acid Is So Important

Linoleic acid has a direct role in maintaining the integrity of the water permeability barrier of the skin (3) (4) By maintaining the barrier, this ingredient helps prevent excessive water loss in our skin.

Products, Ingredients & Foods That Have Linoleic Acid

Skincare products

Some products that contain Linoleic Acid include:

Alteya Organics Balancing Cleanser- This creamy cleanser is sunflower seed oil, caster seed oil, and marula seed oil which all contain linoleic acid.

Hale & Hush Saffron Meristem Cream- this thick lotion is perfect for fall and winter months. Formulated for dry and dehydrated skin, this lotion has brightening and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lira Clinical iLuminating Beauty Oil- this dry oil is high in safflower oil, which contains 70% Linoleic Acid. Formulated for brightening, hydrating and balancing; this oil is perfect on it’s own, or to add to a moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration and nutrients.

Hale & Hush Vital Lipid Lotion- Formulated specifically for sensitive skin with health challenges, this lightweight lotion contains sunflower oil which contains between 45% and 75% Linoleic Acid.

Alteya Organics Pure Moisture Face Cream- Formulated within the “Luminous Rose” line this heavy moisturizer is perfect for nighttime and has hazelnut oil, sunflower oil, rosa damascena flower oil and extract, plum seed oil, babassu seed oil, and marula seed oil- all containing linoleic acid.

Oils (Plant Based)

Linoleic Acid is found in plant-based oils including:

Seed based oils include Canola Oil, Linseed Oil (Flaxseed), Sunflower Oil, Borage Oil, Corn Oil, Plum Seed Oil, Marula Seed Oil, Babassu Seed Oil, and Cottonseed Oil

Nut based oils include Hazelnut Oil,

Other oils include Evening Primrose Oil, Corn Oil and Soybean Oil

Foods

Linoleic Acid is found in many foods including:

Leafy Greens such as Tarragon, Radish sprouts, Kale and Ruccola

Hemp Oil

Nuts such as Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Flax Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds

Research & References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/essential-fatty-acid

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/omega-6-fatty-acid

Elias, P.M.; Brown, B.E.; Ziboh, V.A. The permeability barrier in essential fatty acid deficiency: Evidence for a direct role for linoleic acid in barrier function. J. Investig. Dermatol. 1980, 74, 230–233.

Hansen, H.S.; Jensen, B. Essential function of linoleic acid esterified in acylglucosylceramide and acylceramide in maintaining the epidermal water permeability barrier. Evidence from feeding studies with oleate, linoleate, arachidonate, columbinate and alpha-linolenate. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1985, 834, 357–363