Essential fatty acids are those that the human body cannot synthesize on its own and must obtain from dietary sources.
Among the options given:
- Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. It is classified as essential and plays a vital role in maintaining skin integrity, supporting immune function, and forming signaling molecules.
- Stearic acid and Palmitic acid are saturated fatty acids and are not considered essential since the body can synthesize them.
- Oleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, also non-essential because it can be made by the human body.
Therefore, linoleic acid is the correct and only essential fatty acid among the options.