What Is Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate?
Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is a plant-derived surfactant made from linoleic acid found in vegetable oils. Chemically it is a dimerized linoleic acid that has been reacted with propylene glycol, dimethylaminopropylamine, phosphoric acid and sodium chloride to create a double-headed molecule with both water-loving and oil-loving parts. This dual nature lets it mix oils and water, making it valuable in cleansers and shampoos.
The ingredient emerged in the late 1990s as formulators searched for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates. By combining fatty acids with mild quaternary ammonium groups they produced a surfactant that cleans without stripping and also leaves hair feeling conditioned. Production begins by dimerizing linoleic acid, amidating it with dimethylaminopropylamine, attaching propylene glycol, then neutralizing the resulting ammonium groups with phosphoric acid and sodium to form the final disodium salt.
Today it appears in sulfate-free shampoos, co-wash formulas, two-in-one shampoos, foam cleansers, shower gels, micellar waters, facial masks and leave-in hair treatments where a mild cleanser with added conditioning is desired.
Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional ingredient improves both cleansing performance and sensory feel in a wide range of personal care products.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup while maintaining the skin and scalp’s natural moisture balance which helps reduce dryness and tightness after washing
- Hair Conditioning: Deposits a light conditioning film that smooths the cuticle, enhances softness and reduces static so hair feels silky and is easier to detangle
- Foam Boosting: Increases the richness and stability of lather giving users a satisfying creamy foam even in sulfate-free formulas
Who Can Use Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types including normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it is a mild, sulfate-free surfactant that respects the skin barrier. Extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin should still monitor for irritation since any cleansing agent can sometimes disturb compromised skin.
Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is derived from vegetable oils and produced without animal by-products so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Always confirm the finished product has been certified cruelty free if that is a priority.
There are no known pregnancy or breastfeeding restrictions linked specifically to this ingredient and it is commonly found in everyday shampoos and body washes. This is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing users should show any new personal care product to their doctor to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Because it is a cationic surfactant it pairs well with most ingredients used in hair and skin cleansing formulas. It can slightly reduce the foaming of very high-foaming anionic surfactants but formulators account for this. Otherwise there are no notable compatibility concerns for consumers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, particularly on already inflamed or broken skin
- Transient stinging or burning if the product is left on the skin for an extended period instead of rinsed off
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to quaternary ammonium compounds
- Excess buildup on very fine or low-porosity hair leading to a weighed-down feel when used in leave-in products
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low)
Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is mainly water-soluble and designed to rinse away rather than sit on skin. It is used at low levels and has a light conditioning film that does not form a heavy, greasy layer. These traits mean it has little chance of blocking pores which is why it earns a 1 instead of a 0. The slight film it leaves on hair and skin can, in rare cases, trap dirt if products are not rinsed well, so it is not entirely risk free.
Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Its low rating also makes it a useful alternative to richer plant butters or oils in formulas aimed at oily or combination skin.
Summary
Sodium Dilinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is a gentle surfactant that lifts away dirt and oil, conditions hair and boosts foam. It does this by having a water-loving head that grabs onto grime and an oil-loving tail that latches onto sebum, letting everything wash off easily. The ingredient’s positive charge helps it stick lightly to hair shafts so strands feel smoother and less static.
It shows up most in modern sulfate-free shampoos, co-wash products and creamy face cleansers, yet it is not as well known as classics like cocamidopropyl betaine. Formulators appreciate its mildness so its use is slowly growing as consumers look for softer cleansing options.
Safety profiles rate it as low-risk with only occasional irritation or allergy. As with any new personal care item it is wise to do a quick patch test the first time you try a product containing this surfactant, just to be sure your skin agrees with it.