What it is
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil is the fixed oil expressed from the seeds of the flax plant. It is notable for a high content of alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) along with linoleic and oleic acids, which give it emollient and skin-conditioning properties. In sunscreens and lotions it is included in small amounts to improve spreadability and leave a softened skin feel.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated as a topical emollient. As an oil very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids it is prone to oxidation, so it is typically stabilized with antioxidants; oxidized plant oils can be more irritating to sensitive skin. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen, but as a comparatively rich oil it may not suit those very prone to clogged pores.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; cold-pressed or solvent-extracted from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), one of the oldest cultivated fiber and oilseed crops.
Questions everyone asks
What does flaxseed oil do in a sunscreen?
It acts as an emollient, helping soften skin and improve how the product spreads while contributing fatty acids that condition the skin surface.
Is flaxseed oil a UV filter?
No. It does not provide UV protection and is used purely as a skin-conditioning emollient ingredient.