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Linolenic Acid

What Linolenic Acid is & what it does

Linolenic Acid is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found naturally in many plant oils such as flaxseed and other seed oils. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, helping support the skin's surface lipid layer and a smooth feel. A notable property is that it is an essential fatty acid the body cannot make on its own, which is part of why it is valued in lipid-based formulas.

Is Linolenic Acid safe?

Linolenic Acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe at typical use levels. It is an essential omega-3 fatty acid found in many edible plant oils. As with any lipid ingredient, people with very reactive skin can patch test first, but it is broadly well tolerated.

Does Linolenic Acid clog pores?

Linolenic Acid is generally considered low on the pore-clogging scale and is often described as one of the more skin-friendly fatty acids in that respect. Individual responses vary, and how a finished product behaves depends on the whole formula, not one ingredient. If you are prone to congestion, it is reasonable to monitor how your skin reacts.

Is Linolenic Acid vegan?

Linolenic Acid used in cosmetics is typically plant-derived, coming from seed and vegetable oils, which makes it suitable for vegan formulas in most cases. The fatty acid itself can in principle come from different sources, so a brand's specific sourcing determines a definitive vegan claim. Checking the brand's certification is the surest way to confirm.

Sunscreens with Linolenic Acid

We rate 39 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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