Evidence supporting the use of: Linseed oil
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, has been used both traditionally and in modern times for skin care. Its application is scientifically supported, primarily due to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-supportive properties. Several studies have examined the impact of oral and topical linseed oil on skin health. Human trials have shown that oral supplementation with flaxseed oil can improve skin hydration, decrease skin sensitivity, and reduce roughness and scaling (e.g., Goyal et al., 2014, "Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food"). These improvements are attributed to the oil’s role in supporting the lipid barrier of the skin and reducing inflammation.
Topically, linseed oil is sometimes used as an emollient in natural skincare formulations, and it may aid in soothing dry or irritated skin. However, direct topical application may cause irritation in some individuals, and high-quality clinical evidence is limited compared to oral supplementation.
In summary, scientific evidence supports the use of linseed oil, especially orally, for improving general skin health, but the evidence is moderate rather than robust, and further research is warranted—particularly for topical use and in comparison to other oils.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAbalone
Algal protein
Allantoin
Almond fruit
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
Asam gelugor
Ascophyllum nodosum
astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
behenic acid
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
Black spruce
borage
bottle gourd
Brassica
butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
Carnosine
castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
Glucosylceramide
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
Glycosylceramides
goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
oryza
palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
Phlebodium decumanum
Phytoene
Phytofluene
procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
radish
red clover
rockweed
root tuber
rose
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
sea salt
sesame
Shark oil
silica
silicon
Silk protein
Snakeroot
spinach
Taraxacum
Triglycerides
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Tyrosinase
Urolithin A
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by linseed oil
ArthritisCholesterol (high)
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Inflammation
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Triglycerides (high)
Wounds and Sores
