The Index · Emollient / fatty acid
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid used in barrier-support and emollient lipid systems.
ModerateFree fatty acid with conventional cosmetic and physiological barrier context; not a finished product claim.
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Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid used in barrier-support and emollient lipid systems.
What it does
Unsaturated free fatty acid often discussed alongside ceramides and cholesterol in barrier-repair lipid mixtures.
The evidence
Evidence grade moderate: Free fatty acid with conventional cosmetic and physiological barrier context; not a finished product claim. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid used in barrier-support and emollient lipid systems.[1]
ModerateSafety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 1
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]CIR/SCCS. PubMed barrier lipid literature / CIR context. Regulator (2026)regulator
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk