Fatty acids
Contents
Fatty acids | Omega 3| Omega 6|Omega 9 |
Alpha-linolenic acid| Caprylic acid|Gadoleic acid |
Myristic acid|Lauric acid|Linoleic acid|Oleic acid |
Palmitic acid|Palmitoleic acid|Stearic acid
Fatty acids
Fatty acids are lipidic compounds that play an important role in the construction of cells, particularly their membranes, and in their energy supply.
There are several types of fatty acids: saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
Saturated fatty acids are mainly of animal origin, they are present in butter, cream, lard or bacon... Some vegetable oils also contain them, such as palm oil for example. They promote cholesterol deposits in the arteries and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases.
Unsaturated fatty acids are mainly found in plant products and in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna. They are particularly good for health and play a protective role for the cardiovascular system.
They are divided into two subcategories:
- Monounsaturated fatty acids, or omega 9
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids, or omega 3 and 6
Omega 3
TheOmega 3Are part of the family of essential fatty acids. These are fatty compounds that the body cannot produce, or in insufficient quantities, and which must therefore be provided by the diet.
However very useful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and inflammations, omega 3 are often missing, in favour of omega 6.
In the family of omega 3, 3 acids are listed:
- Alpha-linoleic acid
- Eicosapentanoic acid
- Docosahexanoic acid
Omega 6
Omega 6 are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are involved, among other things, in the construction of immune cells, improve healing, reduce inflammatory reactions and protect the cardiovascular system.
For omega 6 to be really effective, they must be associated with a sufficient intake of omega 3.
In the omega 6 family, 4 acids are listed:
- Linoleic acid (the only essential omega 6 fatty acid)
- Gamma-Linoleic Acid
- Dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid
- Arachidonic acid
Omega 9
Omega 9s are non-essential monounsaturated fatty acids, the human body can synthesize enough omega 9s from saturated fats in the diet in general.
Omega 9 is composed of several acids, the best known of which is oleic acid. They are involved in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, as well as certain cancers, and in the reduction of cholesterol and hypertension.
Alpha-linolenic acid
Of the omega 3 family, alpha-linoleic acid is the only acid qualified as "essential" since it cannot be synthesized by the body.
In the cosmetic industry, alpha-linoleic acid is known for its moisturizing power which gives suppleness to the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and soothes redness and skin irritations.
Caprylic acid
Caprylic acid is known for its antifungal properties.
Saturated fatty acid naturally present in dairy products, and also in breast milk, caprylic acid is also a component of coconut and palm oil.
In cosmetics, it is used for its emollient and moisturizing virtues, as well as for its recognized antifungal properties.
Gadoleic acid
Gadoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid found in many vegetable oils and animal fats. Similar to human sebum, it has a strong power of penetration in the skin and thus hydrates it without greasing it.
Myristic acid
Saturated fatty acid naturally present in dairy products, myristic acid is also a component of coconut and palm oil.
It is used in cosmetics for its cleaning, smoothing and protective powers.
Lauric acid
Saturated fatty acid mainly present in coconut oil, lauric acid is used in cosmetics for its cleansing, emulsifying and surface-active properties (reduces surface tension and favors a uniform distribution of the product during its use).
Lauric acid also has an anti-microbial action and helps to harden balms, soaps and body butters.
Linoleic acid
Present in many vegetable oils, linoleic acid is one of the essential fatty acids of the omega 6 family.
The human body does not know how to synthesize it, it must necessarily be brought by the food.
Linoleic acid is involved in the manufacture of cell membranes, it is the precursor of all omega 6 fatty acids, so all the other fatty acids of this family can be produced from linoleic acid.
Inside our skin, linoleic acid is part of the composition of ceramides, which are part of the lipidic cement, a real protective barrier of the epidermis.
A deficiency in omega 6 will result in intense dryness of the skin, a less radiant complexion, brittle and dull hair ....
Oleic acid
Of the omega 9 family, oleic acid constitutes 55% to 80% of the fatty acids in olive oil. Very present in the human body, it protects the cardiovascular system and reduces cholesterol.
In cosmetics, oleic acid is a very frequently used ingredient. Known for its nourishing properties, it participates in the reinforcement of the hydrolipidic film which helps the skin to preserve its elasticity and its flexibility. It also has repairing and healing properties.
For information, the saturated form of this acid is stearic acid.
Palmitic acid
Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid, of animal origin or present in certain vegetable oils such as palm or coconut oil.
An important component of the skin barrier and the acidic layer of the epidermis, it has emollient, emulsifying and cleansing properties
It is also used in the composition of certain perfumes.
Palmitoleic acid
Particularly present in macadamia nut oil, palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, has a very high penetration power in the skin.
Similar to human sebum, it moisturizes and strengthens the epidermis without greasing.
Stearic acid
Naturally present in butter and vegetable oils, stearic acid is a very popular saturated fatty acid in beauty product compositions.
It is used to enrich emulsions to give them a creamier consistency, to stabilize formulations or to harden certain cosmetic balms and butters.
Its emollient properties allow to hydrate the epidermis or the hair while protecting them thanks to its filmogenic power