What Is Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate?
Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate is a specialty silicone made by linking a dimethicone backbone to fragments of linoleic acid and a small phosphate-bearing PEG chain. The linoleic part comes from plant oils such as safflower or sunflower while the silicone portion begins with industrially made dimethicone. Chemists first combined these building blocks in the early 2000s when hair-care brands asked for a silicone that could condition yet still rinse clean. The manufacturing process involves amidation of dilinoleic acid with dimethylaminopropylamine, followed by esterification with dimethicone PEG-7 phosphate, creating a molecule that is partly water-loving and partly oil-loving. This balance lets it spread easily on wet hair and skin while still washing away when desired. You will mainly find it in shampoos, rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, cleansing conditioners, hair masks, color-protection treatments and anti-frizz serums. Skin-care formulators also use smaller amounts in gentle face washes and makeup-removing balms to add a silky after-feel.
Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves more than one job in a formula, making it a favorite for streamlined product labels.
- Hair conditioning – forms a thin, flexible film on the hair shaft that smooths the cuticle, boosts shine, reduces static and makes combing easier even after rinsing
- Cleansing – its mild surfactant character lifts away excess oil and dirt while the silicone portion cushions the hair or skin so cleansing feels gentle not stripping
Who Can Use Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin and hair types. Its balanced water-friendly and oil-friendly structure lets it condition without leaving a heavy residue, making it suitable for dry, normal, combination and oily scalps alike. People with sensitive skin usually do fine because the molecule is too large to penetrate deeply, lowering the risk of stinging or redness. Those with extremely fine hair may want to use lighter formulas to avoid any perceived weight.
The raw materials come from plant oils and laboratory-made silicone, with no animal-derived content, so products using it are typically vegan and vegetarian friendly. As always, check the full ingredient list of the finished product to be sure nothing else animal sourced has been added.
Current safety data show no specific hazards for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review new personal care items with a healthcare professional before starting regular use.
Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin or hair more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with common actives like vitamins C and E, mild acids and most styling polymers, so you can layer it without worrying about in-formula conflicts.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when a product is formulated correctly.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation such as itching or redness in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people allergic to silicones or linoleic acid derivatives
- Temporary eye irritation if shampoo or conditioner accidentally gets into the eyes
- Product buildup leaving hair feeling heavy or greasy when used in high concentrations or not rinsed thoroughly
If you notice any persistent discomfort or adverse change after using a product containing this ingredient stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
This molecule is large and partly water-soluble so it cannot easily work its way into pores. The silicone half forms a light breathable film while the linoleic and phosphate parts let it rinse off more readily than heavier silicones. In finished formulas it is usually present at low levels and is often washed out, further limiting any clogging risk.
Most people prone to acne or breakouts should tolerate it without issues.
As with any ingredient an occlusive or heavy overall formula, high concentration or poor rinsing could tip the balance toward congestion, though this is uncommon.
Summary
Dilinoleamidopropyl Dimethylamine Dimethicone Peg-7 Phosphate works mainly as a hair conditioner and mild cleanser. Thanks to its split personality—silicone for slip and shine plus linoleic-phosphate for gentle cleansing—it smooths cuticles, tames static, lifts away grime and leaves a silky feel without heavy buildup.
It is a niche but steadily growing choice in modern shampoos, co-wash products and lightweight conditioners aimed at consumers who want silicone performance with easier rinse-off.
Current safety data show it is low-irritation, non-sensitizing and largely non-comedogenic so most users can enjoy its benefits with minimal concern. As with any new personal care product though it is smart to perform a quick patch test before full use just to be sure your skin or scalp agrees.