What Is Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate?
Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate is a specialty ingredient made by reacting fatty amines that come from coconut oil with dilinoleic acid, a plant-based fatty acid obtained by dimerizing linoleic acid found in many seed oils. The result is a salt that carries both oily and water-friendly parts, giving it a balanced character that works well in personal care formulas.
The ingredient began appearing in hair and skin products in the late 1990s when chemists looked for plant-derived alternatives to traditional conditioning agents. By combining coconut amines, prized for their mildness, with dilinoleic acid, valued for its lubricating feel, they created a multitasking material that could soften hair, smooth skin and stabilize emulsions in one step.
Manufacturing starts with splitting coconut oil into its fatty acids, converting part of those acids into amines then reacting the amines with dilinoleic acid under controlled heat and pH. The final salt is filtered, standardized for purity and shipped as a soft paste or viscous liquid.
You will most often spot Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate in rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, hair masks, styling creams, body lotions, rich face creams, cleansing balms and high-oil serums where it helps keep oil and water mixed while adding a silky after-feel.
Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on the label because it can play several helpful roles at once
- Hair conditioning: Forms a light film on the hair shaft that smooths the cuticle, reduces static and makes strands easier to detangle which leads to softer, shinier hair
- Emollient: Adds a cushiony, non-greasy slip to skin and hair products helping them glide on effortlessly while locking in moisture so skin feels supple and hair feels nourished
- Emulsifying: Helps oils blend evenly with water so creams stay stable, resist separation and keep a uniform texture from the first scoop to the last
Who Can Use Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate
Most skin types, including dry, normal and combination, can comfortably use products containing Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate. Its light film-forming nature adds softness without leaving a heavy residue, so even many oily or acne-prone users tolerate it well, although those who prefer an ultra-matte finish might find richer formulas a bit too cushy.
The ingredient is manufactured from coconut-derived amines and plant-based dilinoleic acid, so it is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full product label to confirm that no other animal-derived ingredients are present.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetics. This content is for informational purposes only; anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare professional to be extra sure.
Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so no special sun avoidance measures are required beyond everyday SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are uncommon and most users experience none of them when using a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation
- Redness or itching in individuals with a coconut or fatty acid sensitivity
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Build-up on hair shafts that can leave strands feeling weighed down if the product is not rinsed or cleansed properly
If you notice any of these reactions discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating 2/5
The molecule carries long fatty chains that could in theory sit in pores yet its amine salt portion keeps it partially water-miscible and less occlusive than straight oils. This balance drops its clogging risk to the low-to-moderate range while still providing a silky feel.
Most acne-prone users find it acceptable though those who react to any fatty ingredient may want to watch their skin for changes.
Because it is cationic it tends to bind to the surface layers of skin and hair instead of migrating deeply into follicles which further limits pore blockage.
Summary
Dicocodimethylamine Dilinoleate conditions hair smooths skin and stabilises emulsions by pairing a coconut-based amine that sticks to surfaces with a dilinoleate fatty tail that adds softness and cohesion between oil and water phases.
It is not a blockbuster ingredient but formulators value its multitasking ease so you will spot it in select conditioners masks lotions and cleansing balms that aim for a plant-derived story.
Overall safety data are solid with only occasional reports of mild irritation. As with any new cosmetic run a quick patch test to make sure your skin plays nicely before adding a product containing this ingredient to your routine.