Sunflower seed oil contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, which clinical studies have shown is ideal for healing damaged skin and replacing the natural lipids that damaged skin lacks. The presence of linoleic acid allows the skin to retain moisture, which is imperative for proper skin barrier function. Proper skin barrier function is crucial to provide protection from irritants and drying agents like soaps, detergents, lipid-stripping emulsifiers, and repeated exposure to water. Clinical studies have also shown that sunflower seed oil improves you skin's moisture retention.