Ingredient Benefits at a Glance
This chart gives you a closer look at the plant-based fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactives—showing their primary functions, the potential skin benefits they offer, and their natural sources.
| Fatty Acid/Bioactive | Category | Primary Function | Skin Benefits | Rich Sources |
| Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) | Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3) | Anti-inflammatory, barrier support | Reduces inflammation, supports barrier function, calms irritated skin | Flaxseed, Kiwi Seed, Camelina, Rosehip, Hemp Seed |
| Anthocyanins | Antioxidants | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory | Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory, supports circulation | Black Currant, Cranberry, Blueberry |
| Arachidic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Emollient, thickening | Emollient, protective, thickening properties | Avocado, Evening Primrose |
| Arachidonic Acid | Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-6) | Cell signaling, inflammation modulation | Cell membrane health, anti-inflammatory signaling | Milk Thistle, Kukui |
| Azadirachtin | Specialized Bioactives | Antimicrobial, insect repellent | Antimicrobial, treats problem skin, insect repellent | Neem |
| Bakuchiol | Specialized Bioactives | Anti-aging, retinol alternative | Anti-aging, retinol alternative, gentle for sensitive skin | Bakuchiol Extract |
| Behenic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Thickening, barrier protection | Protective barrier, thickening, stabilizing properties | Moringa, Pracaxi |
| Brassic Acid | Specialized Fatty Acids | Emollient, protective | Emollient properties, protective barrier | Meadowfoam |
| Calophyllic Acid | Specialized Bioactives | Healing, antimicrobial | Healing properties, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory | Tamanu |
| Capric Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Antimicrobial, emollient | Antimicrobial, lightweight emollient, cleansing | Coconut, Babassu |
| Caproic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Antimicrobial, preservative | Antimicrobial properties, preservative qualities | Coconut, Babassu |
| Caprylic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Antimicrobial, penetration enhancer | Antimicrobial, emollient, enhances penetration | Coconut, Babassu |
| CoQ10 | Phytosterols & Plant Compounds | Cellular energy support | Cellular energy support, anti-aging properties | Argan |
| Eicosenoic Acid | Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-9) | Moisturizing, protective | Moisturizing, protective barrier formation | Camelina, Jojoba, Meadowfoam |
| Elaidic Acid | Specialized Fatty Acids | Pore minimizing, protective | Minimizes pores, protective barrier function | Sea Buckthorn, Camellia |
| Erucic Acid | Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-9) | Lightweight emollient, barrier support | Ultra-light moisturizing, non-greasy feel, barrier support | Abyssinian, Meadowfoam, Jojoba |
| Flavonoids | Antioxidants | Antioxidant, circulation support | Protects from environmental damage, supports skin elasticity | Cranberry, Evening Primrose, Black Currant |
| Gadoleic Acid | Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-9) | Protective barrier formation | Forms protective barrier, locks in moisture, stable emollient | Jojoba, Meadowfoam |
| Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) | Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-6) | Anti-inflammatory, barrier repair | Reduces inflammation, repairs barrier, soothes eczema and dermatitis | Borage, Evening Primrose, Black Currant, Hemp Seed |
| Lauric Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Antimicrobial, cleansing | Antimicrobial, cleansing, preservative qualities | Coconut, Babassu, Palm Kernel |
| Linoleic Acid | Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-6) | Barrier function, moisture retention | Essential for healthy skin barrier, reduces TEWL, improves texture | Grapeseed, Safflower, Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Prickly Pear |
| Melatonin | Phytosterols & Plant Compounds | Antioxidant, circadian support | Antioxidant protection, supports skin's natural rhythm | Argan |
| Myristic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Cleansing, antimicrobial | Cleansing, antimicrobial, able to penetrate skin | Coconut, Babassu, Palm Kernel |
| Nervonic Acid | Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-9) | Barrier protection, neuroprotective | Barrier protection, supports skin and hair health | Borage, Meadowfoam |
| Oleic Acid | Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-9) | Moisturizing, penetration enhancing | Moisturizes, softens, enhances penetration of other ingredients | Olive, Sweet Almond, Argan, Camellia, Moringa |
| Oryzanol | Specialized Bioactives | UV protection, antioxidant | UV protection, antioxidant, skin brightening | Rice Bran |
| Palmitic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Emollient, protective barrier | Provides occlusive protective layer, emollient properties | Coconut, Palm, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter |
| Palmitoleic Acid | Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-7) | Moisturizing, wound healing | Moisturizes, promotes wound healing, supports mature skin | Macadamia, Sea Buckthorn, Avocado |
| Petroselinic Acid | Specialized Fatty Acids | Moisturizing, anti-aging | Moisturizing, anti-aging, reduces skin irritation | Carrot Seed |
| Phytosterols (β-sitosterol) | Phytosterols & Plant Compounds | Anti-inflammatory, barrier repair | Reduces inflammation, supports barrier repair, soothes irritation | Argan, Avocado, Sea Buckthorn, Shea Butter |
| Polyphenols | Antioxidants | Free radical scavenging | Prevents premature aging, reduces inflammation, protects from damage | Argan, Rosehip, Green Coffee, Olive |
| Punicic Acid | Specialized Fatty Acids | Antioxidant, collagen support | Anti-aging, antioxidant, supports collagen production | Pomegranate Seed |
| Ricinoleic Acid | Specialized Fatty Acids | Anti-inflammatory, deep penetration | Anti-inflammatory, deep penetration, humectant properties | Castor |
| Squalene | Phytosterols & Plant Compounds | Emollient, barrier repair | Mimics natural sebum, non-comedogenic, barrier repair | Olive, Rice Bran, Amaranth |
| Stearic Acid | Saturated Fatty Acids | Emollient, thickening agent | Emollient, helps seal skin cells together for smooth surface | Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Kokum Butter |
| Stearidonic Acid | Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3) | Anti-inflammatory, circulation support | Anti-inflammatory, supports circulation, wound healing | Hemp Seed, Black Currant |
| Tannins | Antioxidants | Astringent, antioxidant | Creates astringent 'dry oil' feel, antioxidant protection | Borage, Evening Primrose, Safflower, Mango |
| Triterpene Alcohols | Specialized Bioactives | Anti-inflammatory, healing | Anti-inflammatory, promotes healing, reduces redness | Evening Primrose, Safflower, Shea Butter |
| Vitamin A (Carotenoids) | Vitamins | Cell regeneration support | Supports collagen synthesis, promotes cell renewal, UV protection | Rosehip, Sea Buckthorn, Carrot Seed, Buriti |
| Vitamin C | Vitamins | Antioxidant, collagen synthesis | Promotes collagen production, brightens complexion, antioxidant | Black Currant, Rosehip, Sea Buckthorn |
| Vitamin E (Tocopherols) | Vitamins | Antioxidant protection | Protects from UV damage, prevents oxidation, anti-aging | Argan, Rosehip, Sunflower, Rice Bran |
Content Disclaimer
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Nature Coast Apothecary does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of research content. The statements regarding product benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding your health or before using new products. Nature Coast Apothecary is not liable for any actions taken based on information found on this website.
Medical Disclaimer
The content, products, and information presented on this website are intended for general informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as, nor should they be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The statements regarding our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read on this website. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medications, consult your healthcare provider before using any new product. Use all products only as directed. If irritation or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a medical professional. Nature Coast Apothecary assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages or losses resulting from the use or misuse of our products or website content.