For infants (0-6 months): Linoleic Acid is a common natural oil component that helps moisturize and support the skin’s barrier. Overall it is low risk, but baby skin is very sensitive, so we use a little extra caution with newborns.
Use only baby-formulated products or creams that list linoleic acid as an ingredient rather than applying concentrated oil or pure linoleic acid. Do a small patch test (a pea-sized amount behind the ear or on the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours. Use sparingly, avoid broken skin, avoid the eyes and mouth, and stop use if you see redness, swelling, or persistent irritation. If your baby has eczema or very dry/inflamed skin, check with your pediatrician before trying a new product.
Watch for redness, stinging, rash, or any new irritation—these come from reports that linoleic acid can irritate skin or eyes in some people (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some safety assessments note it should be formulated to avoid irritation (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) and regulatory sources list it as safe for limited uses or as a food ingredient (U.S. FDA). Environment Canada classifies it as low human-health priority but notes environmental concerns. If a product is marked as restricted or requires special safety documentation, avoid it for infants unless recommended by a pediatrician.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Linoleic Acid safety and effects.
Yes, Linoleic Acid is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Linoleic Acid is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product