What Is Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate?
Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate is a quaternary ammonium compound made by reacting oleic acid, propylene glycol, and methyl sulfate to form a salt. Its backbone features two oleic acid chains, which are fatty acids commonly sourced from plant oils such as olive or sunflower. Chemists first explored this class of ingredients in the mid-20th century while searching for gentler hair softening agents. Over time manufacturers fine-tuned the process to improve purity and performance, leading to the version used in today’s cosmetics.
Production begins with plant-derived oleic acid that is converted into an ester, then combined with a propanolamine and finally quaternized with methyl sulfate. The result is a water-dispersible powder or paste that blends easily into lotions, creams, and hair care bases.
Because of its multitasking nature, Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate shows up in rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, masks, detangling sprays, curl creams, mild cleansers, skin moisturizers, and make-up removers. Formulators like it for delivering smooth feel, gentle cleansing, and stable emulsions in one ingredient.
Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves several roles at once, making it a flexible choice for both skin and hair formulas.
- Antistatic: Helps reduce static charge on hair so strands lie flat and are easier to style
- Buffering: Helps balance pH, keeping the finished product mild and stable over time
- Hair Conditioning: Deposits a light, silky film on hair fibers that improves softness, slip, and overall manageability
- Cleansing: Aids in lifting away dirt and oils while remaining gentle, which can soften the surfactant blend in shampoos or facial washes
- Emulsifying: Keeps oil and water mixed, ensuring creams stay uniform and do not separate during storage or use
Who Can Use Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its fatty acid backbone provides light conditioning without leaving a heavy residue, so even acne-prone or sensitive complexions tend to do well with it. There are no known reasons for extremely dry or eczema-prone users to avoid it, yet anyone with a history of reactions to quaternary ammonium compounds should proceed cautiously.
Because the oleic acid portion can be sourced from plant oils such as olive or sunflower, formulas made with plant-derived raw material are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If ethical sourcing matters to you, look for brands that specify a vegetable origin.
No evidence suggests the ingredient is harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review new products with a healthcare professional just to be safe.
Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no special need for added sun protection beyond normal daily SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic concentrations and manufactured correctly.
- Mild skin irritation
- Scalp redness or itching
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds
If you develop any of these reactions discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Although it contains two oleic acid chains, the molecule is large and positively charged, which keeps it sitting on the surface and makes it easy to rinse away in wash-off products. It is typically used at low levels, so it rarely blocks pores or triggers blackheads.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Formulas where it is left on the skin in a rich cream could feel heavy to very oily complexions, but the risk of actual comedones remains low.
Summary
Dioleoyl Edetolmonium Methosulfate acts as an antistatic agent, pH buffer, hair conditioner, mild cleanser and emulsifier. Its cationic head attracts to negatively charged hair and skin, smoothing cuticles and reducing flyaways, while the fatty tails add slip and softness. The positive charge also helps it bind to dirt so it can be lifted away during rinsing, and its dual water-and-oil-friendly structure keeps creams stable.
It is not a blockbuster ingredient you will see advertised on front labels, yet formulators appreciate its multitasking nature in modern sulfate-free shampoos, detangling treatments and light moisturizers.
Current research and decades of practical use rate it as low-risk for irritation or pore clogging when used correctly. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists this ingredient.