Did you know you can use linoleic acid for acne-prone skin?
Linoleic acid is the best skincare ingredient you've never heard of. An unsung hero for acne-prone skin that rebuilds the skin barrier, decongests pores, and more.
Get Clarity Discover the science
If you've been avoiding facial oils because you break out, you've probably been using the wrong ones.
Your skin is deficient in linoleic acid.
Research shows that acne-prone skin is significantly lower in linoleic acid than non-acne-prone skin. Linoleic acid, an essential omega fatty acid, is a core building block of the ceramides that make up your skin barrier.
When linoleic acid levels drop, the skin barrier weakens and pores become congested.
This is why oils high in linoleic acid are so therapeutic for acne-prone skin. Not only are they lightweight and non-comedogenic, they help restore balance back to the skin. By replenishing your skin's linoleic acid levels, studies show you can support skin barrier repair, decongest clogged pores, and even balance the skin's response to hormones.
The power of linoleic acid
Decongests clogged pores
Studies show that the topical application of linoleic acid has comedolytic activity, meaning it can decongest clogged pores.
Rebuilds your skin's moisture barrier
Linoleic acid is the most essential co-factor for ceramides, the building block of the skin barrier. Without linoleic acid, the skin barrier weakens leading to inflammation, dehydration, and breakouts.
Balances skin's hormonal state
In a published 2023 study, researchers found that linoleic acid regulated skin cell's response to androgens (hormones linked to hormonal acne).
Starflower (Borage) Oil
Cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the borage flower are naturally rich in linoleic acid and its anti-inflammatory metabolite, γ-linolenic acid. Its fatty acid content makes it ideal for supporting a healthy skin barrier, decongesting pores, and balancing acne-prone skin.
Raspberry Seed Oil
Like borage oil, raspberry seed oil is a rich source of linoleic acid. It's a naturally nutrient-dense oil that infuses the skin with repairing vitamin E, phytosterols, and other naturally-occurring antioxidants.
"Sana Haus products have changed my skin care life. I've been using a cleanser and this serum for over 2 years. My skin has been acne free and balanced. As long as it's available, I will never use anything else!"
Get the best results.
Start with clean skin.
Cleanse with an ultra-gentle cleanser to prep the skin for absorption.
Apply to damp skin.
Seal in moisture by applying 3-5 drops to slightly damp skin.
Layer as you like
Use your lightweight high linoleic acid face oil on top of water-based serums and toners and underneath thicker moisturizers or SPF.
Myths about face oils, squashed.
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Not all oils are the same. High oleic oils, like jojoba and argan, can worsen congestion by clogging pores and disrupting the skin barrier. High linoleic acid face oils, like our Clarity barrier repair face oil, are designed to be low in comedogenic oleic acid and high in blemish-fighting linoleic aicd.
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Oily skin is often low in linoleic acid, which can lead to skin inflammation and barrier disruption that may increase sebum production. When linoleic acid is replenished, inflammation is balanced and barrier function is restored, favoring a skin environment that may lead to less oil production over time. Many of our users find their oily skin actually improves.
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Most face oils on the market are high in oleic acid. Clarity is specifically formulated with a high linoleic acid base to address the root cause of congestion, not just the surface.
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Some users see calmer, more hydrated skin in as little as one week. But, long term results can take 4-8 weeks, like improved texture, skin tone, and overall clarity.
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Yes! All of these same principles apply to acne-prone skin on the body.
Your skin's missing ingredient.
A high linoleic acid face oil formulated for oily, blemish-prone, and congested skin. Available in both the standard formula and an essential oil-free formula for sensitive skin types.
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