What Is Sodium Dilinoleate?
Sodium Dilinoleate is the sodium salt form of dilinoleic acid, a fatty acid obtained by linking together two linoleic acid molecules. Linoleic acid itself is abundant in plant oils such as soybean, sunflower and safflower oil, so the ingredient can be considered plant derived. Chemically, turning the acid into its sodium salt gives it surfactant properties, meaning it can mingle with both water and oil.
The cosmetic world has used fatty acid salts as mild soaps since the early 1900s. As formulators looked for gentler replacements for traditional lye soaps they discovered that dilinoleic acid, once neutralized with sodium hydroxide, produced a surfactant that cleansed effectively without stripping the skin. Over time Sodium Dilinoleate found its way into modern rinse off products where a soft, creamy lather is preferred.
Manufacturing starts with vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid. The oil is first dimerized, a controlled heat process that bonds two linoleic acid molecules into dilinoleic acid. This new acid is then reacted with a precise amount of sodium hydroxide. The result is a fine powder or paste of Sodium Dilinoleate that dissolves easily in water based formulations.
You will usually spot Sodium Dilinoleate in facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand soaps, shampoo bars, micellar waters and clay or gel masks that need a built in rinsing aid. Its mild nature and plant origin make it a popular choice for products aimed at sensitive or dry skin.
Sodium Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below is how Sodium Dilinoleate contributes to a cosmetic formula.
- Cleansing: Acts as a gentle surfactant that lifts away dirt, excess oil and residue when rinsed with water. It helps create a stable lather, improves rinse off and leaves skin or hair feeling clean yet comfortable.
Who Can Use Sodium Dilinoleate
Sodium Dilinoleate is considered gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its mild surfactant profile means it cleans without the tight feeling some harsher foaming agents can leave behind, making it a frequent choice for sensitive or mature skin as well. No specific skin type is known to be incompatible with the ingredient, though individual tolerance can always vary.
The compound is sourced from plant oils and contains no animal derived substances, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Its production does not typically involve animal testing when brands follow modern cruelty free standards, but consumers should still verify a finished product’s cruelty free certification if that is important to them.
Current data shows no reason Sodium Dilinoleate would pose a unique risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically and in the low concentrations found in rinse off cosmetics. This is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product they plan to use past their doctor to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and free of essential oils, making it an option for users who react to fragrance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Sodium Dilinoleate can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential, but unlikely, adverse effects. When the ingredient is used at appropriate levels most users will not experience these issues.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, particularly on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to fatty acid salts
- Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased dryness when used in very high concentrations or paired with other strong surfactants
- Stinging on broken or abraded skin
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 — Sodium Dilinoleate is a salt of a fatty acid but it behaves as a water-soluble surfactant that rinses clean without leaving an oily film. Its large, branched structure makes it less likely to lodge inside pores and it is typically used in low concentrations in wash-off products, both of which keep the clogging risk minimal.
Overall the ingredient is considered safe for acne-prone skin and is unlikely to trigger breakouts.
Because the molecule is anionic and highly dispersible in water it does not linger on skin, so any theoretical pore-blocking potential drops even further when the product is rinsed away after just a few seconds of contact.
Summary
Sodium Dilinoleate works mainly as a mild cleansing agent that helps water mix with oil so dirt, makeup and excess sebum can be washed off without stripping the skin. It creates a soft, creamy lather, boosts rinse-off and leaves skin or hair feeling comfortable rather than tight.
Although not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide it quietly powers many gentle face washes, body cleansers and shampoo bars aimed at sensitive skin, so its popularity sits in the background of everyday formulas.
Current safety data shows it is low risk with irritation or allergy only reported in rare cases. As with any new cosmetic product it is smart to perform a quick patch test to confirm personal tolerance before full use.