Common Name(s): Stearyl linoleate,stearyl linoleate,c18 emollient ester efa,barrier ceramide precursor emollient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Delivers linoleic acid as an essential fatty acid for ceramide biosynthesis in keratinocytes — directly addressing the linoleic acid deficiency in dry and eczema-prone skin that impairs ceramide production and barrier function.
Why It's Used: Stearyl linoleate provides the essential fatty acid delivery advantage of unsaturated plant oils in a more oxidatively stable ester form — the stearyl ester protecting the labile linoleic acid double bonds from oxidation while the ester hydrolysis releases free linoleic acid in the sc.
How It Works: Stearyl ester hydrolysis in the sc releases free linoleic acid (c18:2, omega-6). free linoleic acid: substrate for cert-mediated ceramide biosynthesis (ceramide 1, 2 linoleoyl containing species); provides anti-inflammatory competition with arachidonic acid for cox/lox pathway; maintains sc bilayer fluid state from cis-double bond disruption of crystalline packing.
Typically Found In: Barrier repair,eczema care,emollient
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Linoleic acid deficiency is a primary mechanistic driver of dry skin, eczema, and impaired sc barrier — the ceramide 1 (omega-hydroxy fatty acid-ceramide) requires linoleic acid as its omega-hydroxy chain component, and deficiency produces acylceramide deficiency directly impairing barrier lamellar organisation.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,stearyl linoleate linoleic acid efa barrier ceramide review