Linalyl Acetate
Antioxidant
Linalyl Acetate at a glance
- Ester of linalool
- Key compound in lavender + bergamot essential oils
- Has anti-inflammatory benefits
- Also a skin sensitizer
Linalyl Acetate description
Linalyl acetate is an ester of linalool and a chemical compound found in many plants. It is one of the main components found in essential oils of lavender and bergamot. In cosmetics, it is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient, where it imparts a scent with notes of lavender and clary sage. Research has found that in addition to antioxidant properties, linalyl acetate also has anti-inflammatory benefits. This is a double-edged sword because its volatile components make linalyl acetate a potential skin sensitizer, especially when it’s exposed to oxygen. Because of this mixed bag potential, it’s recommended to avoid linalyl acetate in topical skin care products.