What Is Aluminum Dilinoleate?
Aluminum Dilinoleate is the aluminum salt of dilinoleic acid, a fatty acid obtained by linking two molecules of linoleic acid that are commonly sourced from vegetable oils like soybean or sunflower. Once the dilinoleic acid is formed through a controlled heat process known as dimerization, it is neutralized with aluminum hydroxide to create a fine, off-white powder that behaves like a mild soap. Aluminum soaps have been used since the 1940s to give cosmetics a smoother feel and better stability, and Aluminum Dilinoleate is one of the modern variants adopted for its balanced performance and gentle profile.
Production starts with refined plant oil that is split to release linoleic acid. This acid is then dimerized, purified and finally reacted with aluminum to form the salt. The result is an ingredient that blends well with both oils and water-based phases, making it easy for formulators to work with.
You will most often spot Aluminum Dilinoleate in pressed powders, liquid foundations, tinted moisturizers, sunscreens, clay or cream masks, body butters and other rich lotions that need to stay uniform and feel silky on the skin.
Aluminum Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking powder earns its place on an ingredient list because it improves how a product looks, feels and holds together.
- Anticaking: Keeps powdered products from clumping so they stay free flowing and easy to apply
- Emulsion stabilising: Helps oil and water stay mixed, preventing creams and lotions from separating over time
- Opacifying: Adds a soft matte finish that reduces transparency, useful for foundations and sunscreens that need coverage
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens and structures formulas, giving them the desired body without feeling greasy
Who Can Use Aluminum Dilinoleate
Most skin types can comfortably use products containing Aluminum Dilinoleate. It works well for normal, dry, combination and oily skin because it adds structure without extra oil and does not clog pores. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it too, but anyone with a known metal allergy should stay alert since the molecule contains aluminum.
The ingredient is plant derived and mineral based so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The fatty portion comes from vegetable oils and no animal by-products are used during processing.
There is no data showing that Aluminum Dilinoleate poses a special risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run new skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Aluminum Dilinoleate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no known interactions with common actives like retinol or acids. It is also free of fragrance and essential oils so it rarely triggers scent related sensitivities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients differ from person to person. The side effects below are possible but unlikely for most users when the product is well formulated.
- Mild redness or itching in very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with aluminum allergy
- Eye irritation if loose powder accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
Although Aluminum Dilinoleate is derived from a fatty acid, converting it into an aluminum salt changes its behavior on skin. It sits on the surface as an inert powder, does not readily melt into pores and is used at low percentages, which all keep the clogging risk minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Worth noting: formulations that pair Aluminum Dilinoleate with heavy oils or waxes could still feel occlusive, so the overall recipe matters more than this single ingredient.
Summary
Aluminum Dilinoleate acts as an anticaking agent, emulsion stabilizer, opacifier and viscosity controller by binding oil and water phases, bulking up texture and scattering light for a soft matte look. These abilities let it keep powders free flowing, stop creams from separating, give foundations coverage and thicken lotions without greasiness.
It is not a headline ingredient and you will see it more in niche or professional formulas than in mass-market products.
Current safety data show it is non irritating for most skin types with only rare issues in those allergic to aluminum. As with any new cosmetic, patch test first to be on the safe side.