What Is Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer?
Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer is a plant based ingredient created by joining fatty acids from dilinoleic acid into a long chain polymer, then “capping” that chain with esters made from mango seed butter and dilinoleyl alcohol. The mango butter used comes from the kernels of the Mangifera indica fruit, a by-product of the juice industry that would otherwise be discarded. Chemists began exploring mango butter in the early 2000s as a sustainable alternative to petrolatum and silicones, and this particular copolymer first appeared in green beauty formulas about a decade ago.
The manufacturing process starts with dilinoleic acid, which is obtained from plant oils such as soybean or safflower. The acid molecules are reacted together to form a dimer, creating a flexible yet sturdy backbone. This backbone is then linked with dilinoleyl alcohol to add extra length and softness. Finally, the ends of the chain are reacted with the triglycerides in mango butter through a transesterification step, so the finished material carries the nourishing lipids of mango while behaving like a light weight film-former.
Because it forms a soft, non-tacky film that locks in moisture, the copolymer is often used in leave-on skin care such as moisturizers, night creams, anti-aging serums, tinted balms and high-shine lip products. It also appears in solid lotion bars, hair masks and sunscreen sticks where a smooth glide and water resistance are prized.
Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient delivers several useful actions
- Film forming – creates an invisible, breathable shield on the skin or hair that slows down water loss, boosts wear time of color cosmetics and helps products resist sweat or rinse off
- Skin conditioning – leaves the surface feeling softer and more supple thanks to the natural lipids from mango butter that mimic skin’s own oils
- Emollient – fills in microscopic gaps between skin cells so the texture feels smoother and looks more even, which can reduce the appearance of dry patches and fine lines
Who Can Use Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Dry, normal and combination skin tend to appreciate the soft occlusive film that keeps moisture in, while sensitive skin often benefits from its gentle, fragrance-free profile. Very oily or acne-prone skin may find the rich lipid content a bit heavy, so those users should monitor how their skin responds and opt for lower-percentage formulas if congestion appears.
Because the copolymer is sourced entirely from plants (mango kernels and seed oils) and contains no animal derivatives or by-products, it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No research indicates that topical use poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any new skincare product by a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also has no known interactions with common cosmetic actives, though its film-forming nature can slightly slow the absorption of ingredients layered on top of it.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to the topical use of Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Clogged pores or breakouts in very oily or acne-prone skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness itching or small bumps
- Folliculitis on scalp or body if a heavy leave-on formula traps sweat and bacteria
- Reduced penetration of actives if serums are applied after a product containing this film former
If you experience any persistent irritation or other negative effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer carries a moderate load of long chain fatty acids yet its large polymer structure sits mostly on the surface rather than sinking into pores. This lowers its tendency to clog compared with raw mango butter or pure plant oils, but the rich lipid film can still trap debris on very oily skin which is why it earns a 2 instead of a 0 or 1.
Most people with normal, dry or combination skin will not notice breakouts, while those who are highly prone to acne should use it sparingly or stick to lightweight formulas.
Comedogenicity also depends on the overall product. In a water-based lotion at low percentages it is far less likely to cause congestion than in a dense balm where it can make up a big part of the base.
Summary
Mango Butter Dimer Dilinoleyl Esters/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer works as a film former, skin conditioner and emollient. The dimerized linoleic backbone creates a flexible film that slows moisture loss, the mango butter end groups supply nourishing lipids that smooth rough texture, and the entire polymer fills micro-gaps on the surface for a softer feel.
It is still a niche ingredient found mainly in clean beauty moisturizers, lip tints and solid SPF sticks, but its plant origin and petrolatum-free glide are helping it gain traction with formulators looking for sustainable alternatives.
Available safety data show it is non irritating for most users, vegan friendly and free of known hormonal or phototoxic effects. As with any new cosmetic we recommend patch testing a small area before full use just to ensure your skin agrees with it.