LINOLEIC ACID (Linoleic acid) – function in cosmetics

An omega-6 fatty acid found in many plant oils.

What it is

Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms and two double bonds. CosIng lists it as antistatic, cleansing, cleansing surfactant, emollient, hair conditioning and skin conditioning.

Where it is used

Appears in creams, serums, cleansers and hair care; it is also a natural component of many plant oils.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The INCI name does not reveal the source of the fatty acid.

Functions

Antistatic

Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Skin conditioning – emollient

Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.

Hair conditioning

Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.

Skin conditioning

Maintaining the skin in good condition.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

LINOLEIC ACID

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (162)