What it does
May contribute to the formula's lipid balance, particularly alongside ceramides and cholesterol.
Barrier lipids
Linoleic acid.
An essential fatty acid also found in many plant oils, used for softness and barrier support.
- INCI name
- Linoleic Acid
- Function
- Emollient and lipid component.
- Information level
- Documented cosmetic function
- Last reviewed
- 22 September 2026
Who may benefit
Relevant for dry skin or a fragile barrier.
Compatibility
Ceramides, cholesterol, squalane.
Precautions
Oils containing it have complex compositions and are not equivalent to the isolated ingredient.
How to use it
Morning or evening.
Concentrations
The percentage cannot be inferred from INCI order. WAI LAB shows it only when stated by a verifiable source.
HOW TO READ IT
What it means in the INCI list?
In the European Union, ingredients above 1% are listed in descending order by weight; below 1%, they may appear in any order. Their position therefore cannot be used to calculate an exact percentage.
Its position helps you understand the formula, but does not on its own establish effectiveness or an exact percentage.
SOURCES
Where the information comes from.
WAI LAB distinguishes cosmetic function, regulatory context and scientific literature. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
FROM UNDERSTANDING TO CHOOSING
Products with Linoleic acid.
71 catalogue products list a recognised form of this ingredient in their INCI.
71 resultsVerified profiles with declared concentrations appear first.
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VerifiedWAI 85/100 · partialCliniqueAll About Clean™ Liquid Facial Soap Extra Mild for Very Dry to Dry Skin Types
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VerifiedWAI 77/100 · partialCliniqueClinique Smart Night™ Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol
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VerifiedWAI 83/100 · partialEstée Lauder
WAI 85/100 · partialEstée Lauder
VerifiedWAI 84/100 · partialEstée LauderDayWear Moisturizer Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant 24H-Moisture Creme SPF 15 for Normal/Combination Skin
24 of 71 shown