Linseed Seed Oil
INCI: Flax
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 5 Aug 2026
Also known as: Flax, Flaxseed Oil, Linolenic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Extract
More commonly known as flaxseed oil Significant plant source of omega fatty acids
EWG Safety Score
What Is Linseed Seed Oil?
Linseed seed oil is more commonly known as flaxseed oil. It’s a significant plant source of omega fatty acids, primarily an omega-3 fatty acid (linolenic acid) that’s been shown to have a soothing effect on skin.
These polyunsaturated fatty acids, which also include oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids, enhance skin’s hydration by preventing moisture loss. Linseed/flax oil has been shown to penetrate skin’s uppermost layers easily, carrying other beneficial ingredients with it (but those ingredients also have to be oil soluble so, for example, linseed wouldn’t be a good carrier for water-soluble vitamin C but is great for delivering oil-soluble vitamin E).
Linseed oil is also a top source of lignans, phenolic plant compounds that have antioxidant ability.
Clinical Evidence & References
- Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, September 2019, pages 1,451-1,458
- African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine, March 2017, pages 280-286
- Journal of Food Science and Technology, September 2014, pages 1,633-1,653
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, June 2011, ePublication
Frequently Asked Questions
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A lightweight plant oil ester that conditions skin without heaviness
Linoleic Acid
Unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid found in corn, safflower, and sunflower oils The most abundant fatty acid found in skin’s upper layers
Linolenic Acid
Omega-3 fatty acid Skin conditioning and restorative ingredient
Liriope Muscari Root Extract
A plant extract traditionally used to support skin hydration and comfort
Macadamia Nut Oil
Luxurious nut oil rich in palmitoleic acid
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
A lightweight plant oil that softens and nourishes without heavy residue
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