What Is Peg-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate?
PEG-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate is a lightweight silicone-based ester created when PEG-8 dimethicone reacts with dilinoleic acid, a fatty acid most often obtained from plant oils like soybean or safflower. The result is a hybrid molecule that combines the smooth, silky feel of silicones with the conditioning touch of natural fatty acids. It first gained traction in the late 1990s when formulators were searching for new ways to give skincare and makeup a flexible, breathable finish without a greasy residue. The ingredient is produced in a controlled esterification process where the silicone backbone of PEG-8 dimethicone is linked to dilinoleic acid, then purified to remove any unreacted material. Thanks to its balance of slip and softness, you will spot it in a range of rinse-off and leave-on products such as moisturizers, primers, setting sprays, sheet masks, hair serums and anti-aging creams.
Peg-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main role in a formula is film forming, meaning it creates an invisible, flexible layer on skin or hair. This lightweight film locks in moisture, smooths texture, boosts spreadability and helps other active ingredients stay where they are applied longer, leading to better wear time for makeup and a longer-lasting soft feel in skincare and haircare.
Who Can Use Peg-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily skin, because its breathable film helps hold moisture without feeling heavy. Sensitive or acne-prone users usually do fine with it too, since the molecule is large and sits on the surface rather than penetrating deeply, though any silicone-like film former can occasionally feel occlusive to those who dislike that sensation.
PEG-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate is synthesized from plant-derived fatty acids and lab-made silicones, with no animal by-products involved, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No data suggest the ingredient poses a specific risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review their skincare routine.
The molecule is not known to increase photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It can actually boost the longevity of sunscreen films when used in the same formula.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate vary from person to person. The following are potential side effects that are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to silicones or PEG compounds
- Temporary clogged pores or small breakouts in people highly prone to comedones
- Build-up on hair strands leading to a weighed-down feel if products are layered without regular cleansing
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Peg-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate forms a lightweight, breathable film that stays on the surface, and its fluid linoleic acid portion does not behave like heavier pore-clogging oils. Together this keeps the likelihood of blocked pores very low.
Most acne-prone users should find it suitable, though individual skin can always vary.
If several silicone-based layers are used without thorough cleansing, minor buildup could occur so regular washing is recommended to keep pores clear.
Summary
Peg-8 Dimethicone Dimer Dilinoleate serves mainly as a film former, lending products a smooth, silky glide, locking in moisture and helping actives and pigments stay where you place them. It delivers these benefits by marrying the slip of a silicone with the conditioning touch of plant-derived fatty acids, producing a flexible, invisible layer on skin or hair.
While it is not a headline-grabbing ingredient, formulators appreciate its quiet ability to boost texture and wear time so it shows up in more products than you might realize.
Existing research points to a low risk of irritation or pore clogging, making it generally safe for most users. Still, every complexion is unique so patch testing a new product that features this ingredient is a smart precaution.