Glow Definition
Fatty acids in skincare are nourishing lipids that help reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier and improve its ability to retain hydration. They naturally exist int he outer layer of skin and are often added to skincare products to complement ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and plant oils. Together, they contribute to a skin environment that feels calm, cushioned, and less prone to dryness.
These lipids come in many forms — like linoleic acid or oleic acid — and are often found in oils such as jojoba, sunflower, or rosehip. They can also be included in moisturizers that focus on comfort and barrier care. Even though you may not notice them right away, fatty acids in skincare quietly support the kind of balance that glow relies on.
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Why It Matters
Fatty acids are part of what keeps your skin barrier feeling intact and comfortable. When skin lacks these lipids — whether from weather, over-cleansing, or too many actives — it can start to feel tight, flaky, or easily thrown off. Reintroducing fatty acids through skincare helps replenish what’s missing and maintain a more steady, balanced surface.
They also help support the absorption and layering of other glow-focused ingredients. While they don’t create the kind of foundation where hydration holds longer, texture appears smoother, and skin feels more at ease overall.
GLOW TIP Look for moisturizers with fatty acids like linoleic or oleic acid to help restore softness — especially if your skin feels dry, tight, or compromised from over-exfoliation.
Why We Love It For Glow
Fatty acids are like unsung heroes of a dewy, well-cushioned complexion. While they don’t boast flashy claims, they quietly rebuild what overdoing it strips away — smoothing texture, sealing in moisture, and making everything else in your routine work better.
In glow-focused skincare, fatty acids create the lush base that allows radiance to show through naturally, not forcefully.
Reach for Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream — a lush, fatty-acid-rich moisturizer that helps strengthen skin from the inside out with replenishing oils and essential lipids.
Formulated to restore what over-cleansing, stress, or seasonal changes can deplete, this cream delivers deep comfort without greasiness. Its plush texture cushions skin instantly, making it a favorite for glow routines focused on renewal, recovery, and long-lasting radiance — especially when layering overnight.
FAQ
Are fatty acids suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes — certain fatty acids like linoleic acid can actually help balance sebum and support a clearer skin barrier. The key is choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic sources such as rosehip or evening primose oils.
What’s the difference between essential and non-essential fatty acids in skincare?
Essential fatty acids (like omega-3 and omega-6) can’t be produced by the body and must be supplied topically or through diet. Both types nourish the skin barrier, but essential fatty acids are especially important for hydration and repair.
Do fatty acids work well with other actives like retinoids or acids?
Absolutely. Fatty acids help buffer irritation and support the skin’s recovery process, making them great companions to stronger actives like retinoids or AHA/BHA exfoliants.
Featured in: Skin Barrier Repair Routine: What to Do When Your Glow Feels Off. Barrier repair isn’t just about what you remove — it’s about what you restore. In this post, we highlight how fatty acids, especially when paired with ceramides and emollients, can help replenish what over-cleansing and exfoliation strip away.