What Is Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate?
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is a lab made ingredient created by attaching about 30 units of ethylene oxide to hydrogenated dimer dilinoleic acid, a fatty acid originally sourced from vegetable oils such as soybean or sunflower. The result is a waxy, water-soluble material that can mix oil and water in a stable way. Chemists first began experimenting with this type of polyethylene glycol derivative in the late 20th century as the beauty industry looked for gentler alternatives to harsh soaps. Production starts with natural linoleic acid, which is linked together to form a larger “dimer,” then hydrogenated to boost stability and shelf life. This fatty backbone is then reacted with ethylene oxide under heat and pressure to reach the target of 30 repeating units. The finished ingredient appears as a soft solid or thick liquid that dissolves easily in warm water.
You will most often spot Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate in rinse-off products like facial cleansers, body washes and exfoliating scrubs, as well as in creamy makeup removers, cleansing balms, lightweight moisturizers and some hair care masks. Its ability to keep oil, water and active ingredients evenly mixed makes it useful in everything from tinted sunscreens to soothing aftershave lotions.
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient offers two key functions that improve both the feel and performance of a formula:
- Cleansing: It lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin or hair, leaving a fresh yet comfortable finish
- Emulsifying: It acts as a bridge between water and oil phases, creating a smooth, stable blend that stays uniform on the shelf and spreads evenly during use
Who Can Use Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its gentle cleansing action makes it suitable for oily, combination and dry complexions while its low irritation potential can work for sensitive skin too. Those with a known sensitivity to polyethylene glycols or very acne-prone skin may want to monitor how their skin responds, especially in leave-on formulas.
The ingredient is produced from plant-derived fatty acids and synthetic ethylene oxide, with no animal by-products used in standard manufacturing, so it is typically considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. If you follow a strict lifestyle check that the finished product has been certified to avoid cross-contamination with animal ingredients.
Topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is not thought to pose a risk because the molecule is large and stays on the surface of the skin. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a healthcare professional to be safe.
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is non-photosensitizing, meaning it will not make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It also plays nicely with most other cosmetic ingredients, so you can layer it alongside actives like vitamin C or niacinamide without worry.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging, more likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals who have a pre-existing sensitivity to polyethylene glycols or related compounds
- Allergic reaction presenting as itching hives or swelling, considered rare
- Eye irritation if a cleanser or balm accidentally gets into the eyes
- Follicular occlusion leading to small bumps if a very rich leave-on formula is applied to congested areas
If you develop any of these issues discontinue use and consult a medical professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate is highly water soluble thanks to its polyethylene glycol chain, so it tends to rinse clean and is less likely to sit in pores compared with heavier untreated oils or waxes. Its hydrogenated fatty backbone does add some richness yet the bulky PEG portion keeps the overall molecule from packing tightly into follicles, which is what usually leads to clogged pores. In the low percentages typically used in cleansers, balms and light lotions its occlusive potential remains minimal, making it broadly acceptable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because most formulas containing this ingredient are rinse-off and combined with other surfactants or lightweight emollients the practical risk of pore blockage is even lower. Only if it appears high on the ingredient list of a heavy leave-on product might very oily skin types notice congestion.
Summary
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleate serves mainly as a gentle cleanser and reliable emulsifier. Its fatty acid portion grabs onto oils and grime while the PEG chain loves water, allowing it to lift debris away when you rinse. The same dual nature lets it hold oil and water together so creams stay smooth and stable from the factory to your bathroom shelf.
Although not as famous as ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid this PEG derivative pops up wherever formulators need mild cleansing without squeaky dryness, especially in modern balm-to-milk cleansers and soft exfoliating scrubs. Its performance has earned it a steady if quiet spot on many ingredient lists.
Safety studies and decades of cosmetic use show a low irritation profile with no evidence of systemic toxicity when used topically, so most people can enjoy products containing it with confidence. As with any new skincare product a quick patch test on a small area is a smart precaution before applying it more widely.