Synovea® EL
Ethyl Linoleate

Ethyl Linoleate is a stable form of linoleic acid—an essential fatty acid crucial for skin health—that transforms back into linoleic acid once applied to the skin.

Ethyl Linoleate is obtained by esterification of safflower fatty acids with ethanol, a thistle-like plant rich in linoleic acid.

Ethyl Linoleate targets many skin benefits. It maintains stratum corneum acidity, decreases sebaceous gland activity, regulates follicular keratinization, inhibits post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduces skin pigmentation, and maintains skin barrier function and hydration.

Ethyl Linoleate is highly versatile, stable, and easy to formulate with.

It acts as an effective solubilizer for many hydrophobic active ingredients, for example, Avobenzone and Hexylresorcinol (Synovea® HR).

Additionally, it has been clinically proven to reduce multiple signs of acne when combined with Triethyl Citrate and enhance skin lightening and anti-acne effects when combined with Synovea® HR.

Ethyl Linoleate is suitable for various skin types. It can be used effectively in products targeting:

• Dry and damaged skin
• Acne-affected skin
• Normal and hyperpigmented skin
• Aged and photodamaged skin

Ethyl Linoleate can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including sun care, oils, glosses, sticks, milks, cleansers, serums, bars, emulsions, moisturizers, aftershave, masks, lotions, body care, gels, jellies, hair care, creams, after sun, balms, and color cosmetics.

For optimal results, the application frequency of skincare products containing Ethyl Linoleate can vary based on the specific skin concern being addressed:

• Acne Treatment: Clinical studies have shown that lotions containing ethyl linoleate can be applied twice daily for effective management of acne. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, participants used a lotion with ethyl linoleate and triethyl citrate over a period of 12 weeks, resulting in significant reductions in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

• Pigmentation Reduction: Ethyl linoleate, when combined with hexylresorcinol, demonstrates efficacy in reducing pigmentation. Studies indicate that this combination can inhibit melanin production and tyrosinase activity, both of which are crucial for managing hyperpigmentation. For best results, products should be applied once or twice daily, depending on the formulation and individual skin tolerance.

• Hydration and Barrier Function: Ethyl linoleate plays a vital role in maintaining skin barrier function and hydration. To achieve maximum hydration benefits, it is recommended to apply products containing ethyl linoleate twice daily. This frequency helps restore the skin’s acid mantle and improve overall moisture retention.

While twice-daily application is effective, individual skin types may require different approaches. It’s best to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice based on your specific skincare needs.

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that plays an essential role in skin barrier function. Essential fatty acid deficiency can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to scaling, thickening and acne. These disturbances have been shown to be reversed by the topical application of linoleic acid. As an ester of linoleic acid, Ethyl Linoleate works similarly by restoring barrier function and increasing epidermal abundance of genes and proteins like Aquaporin-9 (AQP-9), filaggrin (FLG) and involucrin (IVL).

Ethyl Linoleate also maintains the stratum corneum acid mantle in order to activate lipid hydrolases and convert phospholipids to free fatty acids, a sequence required for normal barrier function.

In addition to supporting skin barrier processes, Ethyl Linoleate decreases sebaceous gland activity, regulating excess oil production, which helps minimize acne and improve skin texture.

Other ways Ethyl Linoleate provides skin benefits include:

• Regulating follicular keratinization, a major pathogenic factor of acne
• Producing anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-kB, a pro-inflammatory transcription factor
• Reducing pigmentation by blocking forskolin-induced melanogenesis and inhibiting tyrosinase activity

Yes! Ethyl Linoleate is available from Sytheon under the trade name Synovea® EL.

Synovea® EL (INCI: Ethyl Linoleate) offers a range of skin care benefits backed by clinical data.

When exploring Ethyl Linoleate’s gene expression properties, a 2-week study indicated a decrease in the gene expression of inflammation responses.

When paired with Sytenol® A (INCI Bakuchiol), Ethyl Linoleate repressed inflammatory pathways, and inhibited cortisol secretion in reconstituted human epidermis skin, validating barrier protection claims.

The suggested use level of Ethyl Linoleate is 2-5%.

Ethyl Linoleate leverages green chemistry principles in its production by using environmentally friendly processes that minimize waste and reduce the use of hazardous substances. The esterification process, which converts linoleic acid from plant-based sources into Ethyl Linoleate, is designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. By sourcing linoleic acid from renewable plant oils like safflower and utilizing ecofriendly catalyst that reduce the need for harsh chemicals, the production of Ethyl Linoleate aligns with green chemistry goals. This not only ensures a high-quality, stable ingredient but also supports eco-friendly practices in skincare formulations.