What Is Ethylene Dilinoleamide?
Ethylene Dilinoleamide is a lab made ingredient created by reacting a dimer of linoleic acid, which comes from plant oils like soybean or sunflower, with a small molecule called ethylenediamine. The result is a waxy, pale solid that melts easily into creams and lotions. Chemists began using it in the late twentieth century when the beauty industry needed plant based thickeners that felt lighter than mineral waxes. To make it, the fatty acid dimer is first formed by gently heating linoleic acid so that two of its chains link together. This dimer then meets ethylenediamine under controlled heat and pressure, forming the smooth amide compound known as Ethylene Dilinoleamide. You will find it in moisturizers, anti aging creams, rinse off masks, leave in hair conditioners, styling gels, sunscreens and even some liquid makeup where it helps give products a rich yet non greasy feel.
Ethylene Dilinoleamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main job in a formula is to control viscosity. By thickening the water and oil phases, it makes lotions and creams feel silky, keeps gels from running and stops ingredients from separating during storage. This steady texture also helps products spread evenly on skin or hair so users get the same dose of active ingredients with each application.
Who Can Use Ethylene Dilinoleamide
Ethylene Dilinoleamide suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it adds texture without leaving a heavy or greasy film. Sensitive or easily irritated skin usually tolerates it well since it has no active exfoliating or fragrancing properties, though anyone with a known amide allergy should proceed with caution.
The ingredient is plant derived and synthetically processed, so it contains no animal by-products. That makes it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles provided the finished formula is also free of animal ingredients.
Available safety data show minimal skin penetration and no link to hormonal effects, so products containing Ethylene Dilinoleamide are generally considered low risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice, and expectant or nursing parents should still clear any new skincare with their doctor first.
Ethylene Dilinoleamide does not increase photosensitivity and can be used in daytime formulas alongside sunscreen. It is also suitable for all hair textures, offering slip and conditioning without weighing strands down.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Ethylene Dilinoleamide vary from person to person. The issues listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin redness or itching in individuals sensitive to amide compounds
- Contact dermatitis if an allergy develops after repeated exposure
- Clogged pores or minor breakouts in very acne prone skin when used in high concentrations
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any irritation, swelling or other unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – Ethylene Dilinoleamide is a bulky, plant-derived wax that sits on the skin surface instead of sinking into pores, so it rarely traps sebum or dead cells. It can feel rich in very high doses which is why the rating is not zero, but standard leave-on or rinse-off formulas keep levels low enough to avoid pore blockage. Overall it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when used in lightweight emulsions or gels. Formulators sometimes pair it with oil-absorbing or mattifying ingredients to further cut any minor clogging risk.
Summary
Ethylene Dilinoleamide is a texture helper that thickens, stabilizes and adds a silky glide to skincare, haircare and makeup. By linking fatty acid dimers with ethylenediamine it forms a smooth wax that increases viscosity, stops phase separation and improves spreadability without a greasy after-feel. It is not a headline active, so it appears less often than better-known thickeners like carbomers or xanthan gum, but niche natural-leaning brands appreciate its plant origin and creamy touch.
Current safety studies report low skin absorption, negligible irritation potential and no hormonal effects, making it a low-risk choice for most users including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a product before full use to rule out individual sensitivities.