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Linoleic Acid

INCI: Linoleic Acid
Also known as: Omega-6 essential fatty acid
BarrierbarrierbotanicalStrong evidencePregnancy safe
86
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
0/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
0.5%–5%
How It Works

An essential Omega-6 fatty acid that's critical to barrier ceramide synthesis. Acne-prone skin tends to have lower linoleic and higher oleic sebum, explaining sticky comedones.

Linoleic-rich sebum is fluid and non-comedogenic; deficiency drives hyperkeratosis in follicles.

pH Range
4.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Restores barrier
  • Reduces comedone formation
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Essential fatty acid
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

AcneComedonal skinEczema
Best For
  • Acne-prone
  • Combination
  • Sensitive
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
7/10

Later treatment or moisturiser step.

Max Safe Concentration
100%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–5%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Safflower, sunflower, hemp, walnuts, all high in linoleic acid.

Skin Signals When You Need It
  • Sticky comedones
  • Dry, scaly patches
For Estheticians & Professionals

Safflower or hemp seed oil topically supplies the highest linoleic % naturally.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Linoleic Acid.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
View Study →
Systematic Review
Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
View Study →
Pairs Well With
Ceramide NPCholesterol
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

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