What Is Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate?
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is a specialty ingredient created by attaching about 60 units of ethylene oxide to hydrogenated dimer dilinoleic acid, a fatty acid most often obtained from plant oils such as soybean or canola. The hydrogenation step turns the original unsaturated fatty acids into a more stable, solid form, then the ethoxylation step adds the polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains that give the molecule its water-friendly character. This blend of oily and water-loving parts lets the ingredient sit comfortably between oil and water, which is why it is valued in many cosmetic formulas.
First explored in the late twentieth century as brands searched for milder surfactants, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate quickly found a place in cleansing oils and lotion cleansers. Its gentle performance and ease of processing helped it move into a wider range of products, from face washes to hair care lines.
Manufacturers start with plant-derived linoleic acid, join two molecules to make dimer dilinoleic acid, hydrogenate it to boost stability, then react it with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The finished material is a waxy solid or thick paste that disperses well once warmed.
You will most often spot Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, body washes, exfoliating masks, creamy shampoos and even some leave-on lotions where a light cleansing or emulsifying boost is needed.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient because it carries out more than one helpful job in a formula.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension between skin and grime so dirt, oil and makeup lift away with rinsing. It is milder than many sulfates which makes it suitable for sensitive skin products
- Emulsifying: The molecule’s dual water-loving and oil-loving structure helps blend oils and water into smooth, stable creams, lotions and washes, preventing separation and giving products a pleasant texture
Who Can Use Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate
Because it is both gentle and nonstripping, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is generally suitable for normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin. Oily or acne-prone skin can also tolerate it well in rinse-off products, though very heavy leave-on formulas that contain high amounts of this waxy ingredient could feel too rich for some users.
The raw materials are plant-derived and the final compound does not contain animal by-products, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences. Still, shoppers should check the full product label to confirm that the rest of the formula meets their standards.
The ingredient is not linked to hormonal disruption or other pregnancy-related concerns. Current safety data indicate it can be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, yet this is not medical advice and anyone in that group should run the product past a doctor just to be on the safe side.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Regular sun protection is still advised whenever you are outdoors.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects you could experience with Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, usually in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those with a specific sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives
- Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Occasional clogged pores in rare cases when high levels are left on very oily skin
If you notice any of these effects, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is largely water dispersible thanks to its PEG portion, which keeps the fatty part from building up inside pores. Most formulas use it at low to moderate levels, often in rinse-off products, so any residue left on the skin is minimal. For these reasons it seldom blocks pores, though extremely heavy leave-on balms containing a high percentage of the ingredient might feel too occlusive for very oily skin. Overall it is considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
If you use several rich products that all rely on PEG-modified fatty acids you could experience a layering effect that raises the risk of congestion, but this is uncommon.
Summary
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate acts as a gentle cleanser and reliable emulsifier. Its surfactant tail loosens dirt and makeup while its fatty acid backbone anchors into oils, letting the two parts cooperate to lift grime and keep oil-water mixtures stable. Although not as famous as classic sulfates or more modern glucosides, it appears in a steady mix of micellar waters, cleansing oils, creamy face washes and some light lotions where an extra emulsifying push is useful.
Safety reviews show a low irritation and allergy profile when used at normal cosmetic levels, and the ingredient is accepted for use in products aimed at sensitive or pregnant users. As with any new skincare item it is wise to perform a quick patch test to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.