Linoleic acid is useful as an emulsifier, cleanser, emollient, and skin conditioner. Linoleic acid protects the skin from dryness and roughness. Linoleic acid deficiency in the skin is associated with symptoms related to eczema, psoriasis, and a generally bad skin condition. A topical application of linoleic acid in its free or esterified form rapidly reversed this condition in several laboratory studies where a linoleic acid deficiency was induced.