The ingredient, explained

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic Acid has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.

EmollientAntistaticCleansingHair conditioningSkin conditioningSurfactant

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

9‚12-Octadecadienoic acid -9Z, 12Z--

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Emollient: Helps soften and smooth the skin surface.
Antistatic: Reduces the build-up of static electrical charge on surfaces.
Cleansing: Helps remove material from the body surface.
Hair conditioning: Improves cosmetic hair properties such as softness, shine or combability.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Surfactant: Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human research on a combination

The linoleic acid-containing combination improved melasma scores during six weeks compared with vehicle.

What this does not tell us

The study tests an added ingredient in a medicated combination, not linoleic acid monotherapy; small Korean female population.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 12172049 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 10 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.