What Is Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate?
Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate is a specialty ingredient made from plant-based fatty acids, usually sourced from oils rich in linoleic acid such as soybean or sunflower. The linoleic acid molecules are first joined together to form dilinoleic acid, then linked with ethylenediamine to build a flexible copolymer chain. Finally the copolymer is treated with a small amount of acetic acid, turning it into an acetate ester that mixes more easily with other cosmetic ingredients.
The material was introduced to personal care labs in the early 2000s when formulators were looking for film formers that felt less tacky than older synthetic resins. Because it starts with vegetable oils, it fit the growing demand for ingredients that lean on renewable sources while still delivering strong performance.
Its production involves controlled heating and pressure steps that fuse the fatty acid chains, a neutral water wash, then a gentle reaction with acetic acid. The result is a smooth, pale liquid or soft solid that can be pumped into mixing tanks without special handling.
You will most often find Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate in long-wear makeup such as mascara, liquid eyeliner and transfer-resistant foundations. It also shows up in tinted moisturizers, peel-off masks, hair styling creams and certain body lotions where a light protective film is helpful.
Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In beauty formulas this ingredient pulls its weight by acting as a film former. Once the product is applied and the volatile parts evaporate, the copolymer sets into a thin breathable layer. That layer helps makeup resist smudging and fading, keeps hair styles in place and even limits water loss from the skin surface for a soft feel. Because the film is flexible rather than brittle, it moves with facial expressions or hair movement without cracking or flaking, giving a comfortable long-lasting finish.
Who Can Use Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate
This film former is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it sits on the surface and does not add heavy oils or pore clogging waxes. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it as well since it is non reactive and fragrance free, though anyone with a known sensitivity to fatty acid derivatives should stay cautious.
The raw materials come from plant oils and the finished polymer contains no animal derived components so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences.
No data indicates problems for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics. Still this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing parents should run any product past their healthcare provider just to be safe.
Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate does not absorb UV light and is not known to increase photosensitivity. It can actually add a light barrier that helps reduce moisture loss when skin faces dry air or wind.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels and in a well formulated product.
• Mild skin redness or itching
• Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to fatty acid based polymers
• Transient eye stinging if mascara or eyeliner containing the polymer is removed roughly or flakes into the eye
• Build up on hair shafts leading to a heavy feel if cleansing is insufficient
If any irritation or discomfort develops discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate earns a low score because it is a large, surface-sitting polymer that cannot work its way into pores the way smaller oily molecules can. It forms a breathable film that lets moisture out without trapping heavy oils or waxes. The acetic ester end also improves spreadability so less raw material is needed, which further reduces any clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
The rating can shift upward if the ingredient is paired with highly occlusive oils in a dense formula, so the overall product design still matters.
Summary
Dimer Dilinoleate/Ethylenediamine Copolymer Acetate is mainly a film former that creates a flexible, long-lasting layer over skin or hair. By linking plant-derived fatty acids with ethylenediamine then finishing with a touch of acetic acid, chemists produce a lightweight polymer that locks makeup in place, boosts wear time and helps limit moisture loss without feeling sticky.
It shows up most often in mascaras, liquid liners, transfer-resistant foundations and a handful of styling creams, so while not the most famous ingredient it has carved out a solid niche in products that promise staying power.
Current safety reviews find it non-sensitizing for the vast majority of users and it carries a very low comedogenic profile. As with any new cosmetic, give your skin the courtesy of a patch test when you try a product containing this polymer just to be safe.