Linoleic Acid
AKA: 60-33-3, Linolic acid, (9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dienoic acid, Telfairic acid, Cis, Cis-Linoleic acid, 9, 12-Linoleic acid, Unifac 6550, Emersol 315, Alpha-Linoleic acid
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
Linoleic acid is a doubly unsaturated fatty acid, also known as an omega-6 fatty acid, occurring widely in plant glycosides. In this particular polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), the first double bond is located between the sixth and seventh carbon atom from the methyl end of the fatty acid (n-6). Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid in human nutrition because it cannot be synthesized by humans. It is used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (via arachidonic acid) and cell membranes. (From Stedman, 26th ed).
Solubility Insoluble (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C18H32O2
Mol. Weight
280.40
CAS #
60-33-3
Form
Liquid
State
Linoleic acid is a colorless to straw colored liquid. A polyunsaturated fatty acid essential to human diet.
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Buffering
Reduces Static
Removes Impurities
Conditions Hair
Conditions Skin
Traditional Use
This is the CAS number for glycerin (Vegetin). Glycerin has been used since antiquity in skincare preparations and was historically extracted from animal fats and plant oils for its humectant properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR