What Is Octyldodecyl/Ppg-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate?
Octyldodecyl/PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate is a lab-made ester that forms when octyldodecanol and PPG-3 myristyl ether react with dilinoleic acid. The result is a silky oil-like substance that spreads easily on skin and helps lock in moisture.
Chemists first explored this type of ester in the 1990s while searching for lightweight alternatives to heavy plant oils. By tweaking chain lengths and adding propylene glycol units they created a fluid that feels rich yet non greasy. Its success in early moisturizing creams led suppliers to scale up production through a simple two-step process: blend the alcohols with dilinoleic acid, then heat them with a catalyst until the fatty acids link up. Once purified the clear liquid is ready for cosmetic labs.
Today the ingredient shows up in a wide mix of products such as facial moisturizers, lip balms, cream blushes, body lotions, anti-aging serums and overnight masks. Formulators like it because it stays stable under heat and pairs well with pigments, sunscreens and actives.
Octyldodecyl/Ppg-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this ingredient earns its place on an ingredient list:
- Skin conditioning: It forms a light, breathable film that softens rough patches, smooths flakiness and gives skin a supple feel.
- Emollient: Acting like a cushion, it fills in tiny gaps between skin cells, reducing water loss and boosting a cream’s glide so it spreads more evenly.
Who Can Use Octyldodecyl/Ppg-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate
This silky ester suits most skin types including normal, dry, and combination because it delivers lightweight moisture without leaving a heavy residue. Oily and acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it as well since the molecule is less greasy than traditional plant oils, though those highly reactive to rich textures may prefer to patch test first elsewhere in their routine.
The ingredient is made entirely from synthetic or plant-derived building blocks and contains no animal by-products so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No research suggests that the ester poses a special risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in a properly formulated cosmetic. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have their doctor review any skincare product they plan to use.
Octyldodecyl/PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can safely be worn during daytime use. It also plays well with common active ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide and vitamin C so formulators often pair it with stronger actives to reduce dryness.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Octyldodecyl/PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possibilities only and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient appears in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to esters or propylene glycol derivatives
- Temporary clogged pores or breakouts on very acne-prone skin
- Stinging or redness if applied to compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any discomfort, rash or prolonged redness occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
This ester is light and spreads thinly so it does not sit on top of skin the way heavier butters or waxes do. Its branched structure and balanced fatty chain lengths make it less likely to clog pores than traditional plant oils like coconut or wheat germ. Because of that it is generally considered suitable for people who break out easily, though individual reactions can still vary. At very high levels in a formula the texture could feel richer which might raise the risk a little, but most finished products use it at modest percentages where buildup is unlikely.
Summary
Octyldodecyl/PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Dimer Dilinoleate is mainly added to beauty products as a skin-conditioning emollient. It slips into the gaps between skin cells, smooths rough spots and creates a soft flexible seal that slows water loss. Its fluid feel also improves the spread of creams, pigments and sunscreen filters giving formulas a silky glide.
While not as famous as ingredients like squalane or jojoba oil, this lab-made ester pops up in a growing number of moisturizers, lip balms and color cosmetics because it offers a non-greasy alternative to heavier oils.
Current safety data shows low irritation potential and a very low chance of pore clogging for most users. Still everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists this ingredient before applying it to the whole face or body.