Question 1

What is Linoleic Acid and what does it do in sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Linoleic Acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. In a sunscreen it softens the skin and supports the skin barrier, and because it is a normal part of healthy skin lipids it tends to be well tolerated. It also helps balance oil, which is why it is sometimes chosen for blemish-prone formulas.

Question 2

Is Linoleic Acid safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the vast majority of people. Linoleic Acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in many plant oils and in skin's own lipids, and it has a long, uncontroversial history in cosmetics. It is used at low levels in sunscreen and is generally non-irritating. As with any ingredient, anyone with a known specific sensitivity should patch test first.

Question 3

Does Linoleic Acid clog pores?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Linoleic Acid is a lightweight fatty acid rather than a heavy oil or wax, and it is often singled out as one of the more pore-friendly lipids. People with acne-prone skin frequently have lower linoleic acid in their sebum, so this ingredient is usually seen as a helpful rather than a clogging fatty acid. The heavier emollients and butters elsewhere in a formula are far more likely pore-clogging culprits.

Question 4

Is Linoleic Acid fungal-acne safe?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, with one nuance. Linoleic Acid is a free fatty acid, and the malassezia yeast linked to fungal acne can use some fatty material, so a few very reactive people choose to avoid all extra fatty acids. That said, malassezia mainly feeds on longer-chain oils, and linoleic acid is often considered one of the safer lipids in this context. For everyone who is not specifically fungal-acne-prone it is simply a barrier-supporting fatty acid, not a safety concern.

Question 5

Does Linoleic Acid feed fungal acne (malassezia)?

Accepted Answer

It can in theory, but it is one of the weaker feeders. The malassezia yeast behind fungal acne grows on certain fats, and linoleic acid is a fatty acid, so on our flags it counts as a potential feeder. In practice it is considered lower-risk than rich plant oils and butters, so most fungal-acne-prone people tolerate it. This is a single, specific skin concern, not a general safety issue, and it is harmless for everyone else.

Question 6

What else is Linoleic Acid called?

Accepted Answer

On an ingredient list it appears under its INCI name, Linoleic Acid. It is an omega-6 essential fatty acid, sometimes referred to as vitamin F together with related fatty acids. It is the main fatty acid in many lightweight plant oils such as sunflower, safflower, and grapeseed.

Linoleic Acid

What Linoleic Acid is & what it does