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Alpha Linolenic Acid

[al-fə, li-nə-lē-nik, a-səd]

Categories: Plant Extracts

Alpha Linolenic Acid Benefits:
Soothing

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) or alpha linolenic acid is one of two essential fatty acids (EFA) that cannot be produced within the body. For this reason, alpha linolenic acid must be obtained through diet. This polyunsaturated (omega-3) fatty acid can be found in foods and vegetable oils such as linseed. 1 However, linolenic acid benefits may also provide a positive effect on skin without necessarily having to be consumed. When applied topically, ample amount of alpha linolenic can integrate and improve the totality of the skin barrier, which can help to enhance the skin’s overall appearance. In skincare, alpha linolenic acid benefits can most commonly be found in cosmetic products. 2 

  1. Brenna, T. Efficiency of conversion of α-linolenic acid to long chain n-3 fatty acids in man. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care 5.2, 127-132 (2002)
  2. Harding, C. R. et al. Dry skin, moisturization and corneodesmolysis. International journal of cosmetic science 22.1, 21-52 (2000)