What Is Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80?
Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 is a lab made ingredient that starts with natural plant oils rich in linoleic acid, often from soybean or safflower. These oils are first linked together to form a “dimer” then fully hydrogenated to make them stable and less likely to spoil. Chemists turn the resulting waxy alcohol into a water loving material by attaching about 80 units of ethylene oxide, giving the finished ingredient its ability to mix oil and water.
The technology behind this kind of ingredient took off in the 1960s when beauty brands were looking for mild alternatives to harsh soaps. By tweaking plant oils with ethylene oxide, formulators could create gentle cleansers that leave skin soft. Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 is part of that wave and has since become a quiet workhorse in skin and hair products.
Production happens in three main steps: dimerizing linoleic acid, hydrogenating the dimer to saturate the bonds, then reacting the new alcohol with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting. The result is a thick liquid or soft paste that slips easily into water based mixtures.
You will most often spot Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 in rinse off cleansers, facial masks, creamy body washes, lightweight moisturizers, conditioners and some anti aging serums where a silky feel and stable texture are needed.
Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what this ingredient brings to a formula
- Cleansing: Its water friendly tail lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping natural moisture so products feel mild yet effective
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water stay blended which keeps creams smooth prevents separation during shelf life and gives a uniform feel on skin
Who Can Use Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it is mild and non stripping. Those with very sensitive or eczema-prone skin often do fine with it, though anyone highly reactive to polyethylene glycol derivatives should proceed cautiously.
Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 is sourced from plant oils and is produced without animal-derived materials so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not considered photosensitizing. It also has no known interactions with common actives like retinol or vitamin C when used at typical levels.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 differ from person to person. The following points note potential reactions though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in individuals who are sensitive to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases where an allergy to the ingredient develops
- Temporary eye stinging if a cleanser containing it is accidentally rubbed into the eyes
- Build up or coated feel on very fine hair when used in high concentrations in conditioners
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 is a large water loving molecule that rinses away easily and does not linger in pores. It lacks the heavy waxes or fatty acids that usually trigger blockages which is why formulators consider it very low risk for clogging. Those prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without extra worry.
Because it is almost always used alongside even milder surfactants and at modest levels any pore clogging potential stays minimal. Only in unusually high amounts could it leave a slight coating that might bother very oily skins but such levels are uncommon in finished products.
Summary
Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-80 acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its long plant based backbone grabs oils while the added ethylene oxide units pull toward water letting it lift grime then rinse away. The same dual nature lets it hold oil and water together so creams stay smooth and stable.
It is not a headline ingredient yet it is a quiet favorite among chemists who need something gentle reliable and vegan friendly. You will spot it most in body washes masks and lightweight lotions rather than in trendy spotlight products.
Current research shows it to be low risk for irritation sensitization or pore clogging when used at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare item it is smart to patch test first so you can be sure your skin is happy with the formula.