Ethyl Linoleate

Fatty-acidFatty acid esterBest with a meal

What is it

Ethyl linoleate is the ethyl ester of linoleic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is used as a cosmetic emollient and appears in some supplement formulations as a delivery vehicle or active ingredient.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Topical skin emollient effects

Limited Evidence

Linoleic acid and its esters improve skin barrier function in eczema and dry skin in some clinical studies.

How it works

After ingestion, ethyl linoleate is hydrolyzed to linoleic acid, which is incorporated into cell membranes and serves as a precursor to arachidonic acid and other eicosanoids. Topically it functions as an emollient and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects on skin.

Dosage

No standardized supplement dose. As an excipient or cosmetic ingredient, used at small percentages.

When and how to take it

Take with food for tolerability if used at higher amounts.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cosmetic or supplement excipient

Used as carrier or active in topical formulations.

Hydrolyzed to linoleic acid in gut

Safety

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid. Ethyl ester forms are generally well tolerated. Most Western diets already provide ample omega-6, so additional supplementation is rarely needed.

Who should be cautious

Most adults already consume sufficient linoleic acid. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals can include linoleic acid as a normal dietary component.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions established at typical supplement amounts.

Food sources

Vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, soybean)

Amount
high linoleic acid content
%DV
—

Nuts and seeds

Amount
moderate
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is ethyl linoleate the same as linoleic acid?⌄

It is the ethyl ester of linoleic acid; after absorption it is hydrolyzed to linoleic acid.

Do I need to supplement linoleic acid?⌄

Most Western diets already provide more than enough omega-6 linoleic acid. Supplementation is rarely needed.

References

Ethyl Linoleate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ethyl Linoleate (ChEBI:31572) — ChEBI link

Ethyl Linoleate (PubChem CID 5282184) — PubChem link

Ethyl Linoleate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ethyl Linoleate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.