Leave-on non-solid skin conditioning compositions containing 12-[(12-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)oxy]octadecanoic acid. 12[(12-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)oxy]octadecanoic acid can be easily incorporated in combination with lipophilic carriers that are liquid at room temperature. Compositions are able to deliver increased energy production by human fibroblasts. Preferred compositions also contain 12-hydroxy stearic acid and thus are able to deliver a wide range of skin benefits.