Ethyl Linoleate

Ethyl linoleate is the ethyl ester of linoleic acid, commonly used in cosmetic oils and creams as a lightweight emollient. It's chosen for its spreadability and slip, softening texture while supporting a comfortable skin feel.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A lightweight oil that replenishes lipids and eases dryness.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Hydration, Barrier Support
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Helps replenish skin lipids to ease dryness and support a resilient surface. Promotes a smoother look and feel for a more supple complexion.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in facial oils, serums, and lightweight lotions to boost emolliency. Also used in makeup primers to increase a soft finish.

Comedogenic Rating

Ethyl Linoleate has a comedogenic rating of 1. It has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.

Safety

Typically well tolerated with low irritation risk; patch test if you’re sensitive. Oxidation is limited compared to unesterified oils but use within shelf life and keep the container closed to maintain quality.

Is Ethyl Linoleate a Good Ingredient?

Rated Good because it's a lightweight, stable ester of linoleic acid that increases slip and helps replenish surface lipids with generally low irritation potential. The ester form offers better stability than the free acid, but the benefit stays mainly sensory and conditioning rather than corrective, which keeps it at Good rather than Great.

Products with Ethyl Linoleate

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