[13] AA is the precursor to some prostaglandins,[14] leukotrienes (LTA, LTB, LTC), thromboxane (TXA)[15] and the N-acylethanolamine (NAE) arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA: C22H37NO2; 20:4,n−6),[16] and other endocannabinoids and eicosanoids.

[19] Hydroperoxides derived from the metabolism of anandamide (AEA: C22H37NO2; 20:4,n−6), or its linoleoyl analogues, are by a lipoxygenase action found to be competitive inhibitors of brain and immune cell FAAH, the enzyme that breaks down AEA and other endocannabinoids, and the compound linoleoyl-ethanol-amide (C20H37NO2; 18:2,n−6), an N-acylethanolamine,[clarification needed] - the ethanolamide of linoleic acid (LA: C18H32O2; 18:2,n−6) and its metabolized incorporated ethanolamine (MEA: C2H7NO),[20] is the first natural inhibitor of FAAH, discovered.

[citation needed] Linoleic acid has become increasingly popular in the beauty products industry because of its beneficial properties on the skin.

Research points to linoleic acid's anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, skin-lightening and moisture retentive properties when applied topically on the skin.

[59] Consumption of linoleic acid has been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death.

[60][61][62] There is high-quality evidence that increased intake of linoleic acid decreases total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein.

[63] Higher in vivo circulating and tissue levels of linoleic acid are associated with a lower risk of major cardiovascular events.

[65][66] The American Heart Association advises people to replace saturated fat with linoleic acid to reduce CVD risk.