If there’s one skincare ingredient you need to know about right now, it’s this one: linoleic acid. This all-natural form of vitamin F moisturizes, protects, and soothes skin—and that’s just the beginning of its long list of health benefits. Keep reading to learn all about this powerful fatty acid and how it can transform your sensitive skin. 

What is linoleic acid? 

Also known as vitamin F, linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated Omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA). We know, we know—it’s a mouthful. 

Basically, an EFA is a fat that’s essential for your health, but your body doesn’t naturally create it. That means you need to get it from your diet. Foods rich in linoleic acid include vegetable oils like sunflower, soybean, corn, and canola, nuts, seeds, and some dairy products. 

Linoleic acid can also be found in all-natural topical ingredients like rosehip oil, argan oil, and shea butter. 

What are the health benefits of linoleic acid? 

Linoleic acid is a certified multitasker. It has so many incredible benefits for your mind and body. It can boost brain function, regulate metabolism, enhance tissue and cell growth, and promote cell turnover. 

Cell turnover is critical to keeping your entire body healthy. But it’s also one of the keys to glowing skin and luscious hair. 

What are the benefits of linoleic acid for skin? 

Let’s start with your skin barrier. Linoleic acid is essential for helping your skin’s epidermal barrier retain water and stay moisturized longer. This creates a plump, dewy look and feel—without weighing your skin down. 

While it hydrates, vitamin F also strengthens and protects your skin barrier. It’s responsible for shielding you from harmful free radicals that often cause wrinkles and fine lines, like UV rays and pollution. Linoleic acid also targets hyperpigmentation caused by the sun and lightens it for a smoother complexion. 

Last but not least, linoleic acid can be a game-changer for acne-prone skin. If you struggle with breakouts, you might actually be lacking linoleic acid in your sebum. This causes other non-essential fatty acids, like oleic acid, to take over and get trapped in your pores. Since linoleic acid is so thin and lightweight, it won’t build up in your pores and cause pimples. 

Can linoleic acid help with sensitive skin? 

Absolutely. Linoleic acid is especially beneficial for those who struggle with eczema or psoriasis. Eczema is often caused by a damaged or dysfunctional skin barrier (read more about skin conditions here and how it relates to gut health). And psoriasis is usually a problem with your cell turnover. What do we know about linoleic acid? It works wonders for both. 

Using linoleic acid topically can soothe irritation, itchiness, and redness caused by sensitive skin conditions, but it’s important to ease into it. Look for products that contain gentle forms of linoleic acid, like rosehip oil and shea butter. 

For example, our Restorative Facial Oil is full of nutrient-rich ingredients that are specially formulated to calm sensitive skin—including two all-natural forms of linoleic acid: rosehip oil and argan oil. 

Our award-winning Soothing Lotion is also a gentle and effective option for sensitive or dry skin. It contains shea butter, which is rich in vitamin F for maximum moisturization. It also features our superstar African mahogany tree bark extract—an unbelievable ingredient that boosts elasticity, stimulates collagen production, and smooths the appearance of fine lines in just 28 days. 

Struggling with sensitive skin? Knowledge is power. 

We know first-hand how frustrating sensitive skin can be. Our founder, Elaine, suffered for years from rosacea and eczema that felt debilitating and exhausting. That’s why she created Iremia—and why we continue to stay educated on sensitive skin conditions and how simple-yet-powerful ingredients like linoleic acid can make a transformative impact. 

To learn more about inflammatory skin conditions, read this full breakdown. Questions about your skin and how Iremia products can help? Our team is always game to talk skincare—it’s our favourite topic. Click here to reach out.