What Is Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate?
Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate is a plant-derived ingredient created by combining glycerin, stearic acid and linoleic acid. Chemically it is a double ester, meaning two glycerin units are linked to fatty acids, which gives it a rich yet light skin feel. Manufacturers often start with vegetable oils such as soybean or sunflower for the fatty acid portion, then react these oils with glycerin under controlled heat and pressure. The result is a waxy material that melts easily into creams and lotions.
The cosmetic industry first explored this ester in the 1990s while looking for alternatives to heavy mineral oils. Its ability to soften skin without a greasy after-feel quickly made it popular with formulators aiming for a “velvet touch.” Today it is produced in large batches using food-grade feedstocks and is purified to meet international cosmetic standards.
You will most often see Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate in moisturizers, night creams, hydrating masks, anti-aging serums and soothing balms. It also appears in some foundations and tinted moisturizers where it helps pigments spread smoothly.
Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place in formulas thanks to two main roles.
- Skin conditioning: Helps keep skin smooth and supple by forming a light protective film that limits water loss so the complexion feels soft for hours
- Emollient: Fills in tiny gaps between skin cells giving an immediate silky finish and improving the spreadability of creams, lotions and makeup
Who Can Use Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate
This fatty ester is considered gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, mature and sensitive skin. Its light cushiony texture helps dry or flaky complexions feel smoother while avoiding the heavy residue that can bother oilier types. Very acne-prone users may want to monitor their skin closely since any rich emollient has the potential to feel occlusive if layered too thickly, though reports of clogged pores are uncommon.
The ingredient is made from plant-derived glycerin, stearic acid and linoleic acid so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal by-products or testing are required for its manufacture by reputable suppliers.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not expected to face unique risks when using products with Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate because it stays on the skin surface and is not known to penetrate deeply. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear all skincare products with a healthcare professional.
The ester does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Sunscreen is still necessary for daily protection but no extra precautions are needed due to this ingredient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topically applied Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate differ from person to person. The points below outline possible issues yet they are rarely seen in the average user when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild redness or stinging: Usually tied to very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Allergic contact dermatitis: A true allergy can develop in a small number of individuals leading to itching rash or swelling
- Breakouts in acne-prone skin: Occasional users report small comedones if the formula is overly rich for their skin type
- Eye irritation: If a cream migrates into the eyes transient burning or watering can occur
If any uncomfortable reaction develops discontinue use promptly and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate is built from stearic and linoleic fatty acids. Linoleic acid has a low tendency to clog pores while stearic acid sits in the mid-range. When the two are esterified with glycerin their large molecular size keeps most of the material on the skin surface rather than sinking into pores, so the overall clogging risk is mild rather than high.
Most people, including combination skin, tolerate the ingredient without extra breakouts. Those who are very acne-prone may still prefer lighter textures but this ester is generally acceptable in well-balanced formulas.
The final impact also depends on the entire product: heavy butters, occlusive waxes or high oil loads can raise the pore-clogging potential regardless of this single component.
Summary
Di-Glyceryl Stearate Dimer Dilinoleate works as a skin conditioning emollient. It forms a light film that slows water loss and fills micro-gaps between skin cells which makes skin feel smoother and gives creams better slip. By pairing two glycerin units with fatty acids it delivers richness without a greasy finish.
The ester sees steady though not headline-grabbing use in moisturizers masks and tinted bases because formulators value its velvet touch and plant origin. It is considered safe at the levels used in cosmetics with only rare reports of irritation or clogged pores.
Overall safety is high yet every skin is unique so patch testing a new product is a simple way to confirm personal compatibility.