Ingredient review

Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60

INCI: Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60

A mild, plant-based emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without common irritation.

beautyskincareemulsifier

In plain English

This ingredient is a helper molecule that allows oil and water to mix smoothly in your skincare products. It is made from a plant-derived fatty acid (dimer dilinoleic acid) that has been modified with ethylene oxide and then hydrogenated to make it gentle and stable. Think of it as a friendly bridge that keeps your lotion or cream from separating into watery and oily layers.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
semi synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A semi-synthetic, non-ionic emulsifier derived from dimer dilinoleic acid (a plant-based fatty acid) and ethylene oxide, then hydrogenated for stability. It is part of the polyether family and is known for its mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform emulsion. Its large molecular structure also helps create a lightweight, non-greasy feel on the skin, and it can act as a mild cleansing agent by helping to lift dirt and oil.

Pros

Very gentle on skin

Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 has a low irritation profile, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types and for use around the eyes.

Improves product texture

It helps create a smooth, non-greasy feel in creams and lotions, so your moisturizer spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy residue.

Cons and cautions

Processing concerns

It is made using ethylene oxide, a chemical that in its raw form is a known irritant. However, the final ingredient is thoroughly processed and considered safe by regulators.

Not fully natural

Despite its plant-derived fatty acid base, this ingredient is semi-synthetic, which may not appeal to those seeking 100% natural or organic products.

Best for

  • People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for gentle, non-irritating formulas
  • Anyone who prefers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers or sunscreens

Use caution if

  • Those who strictly avoid any ingredients processed with ethylene oxide, even if the final product is considered safe

Usage tips

Look for this ingredient in the middle to lower part of the ingredient list, as it is typically used in small amounts (0.5-5%).
It works well in both rinse-off cleansers and leave-on moisturizers, so you can find it in a variety of product types.

Safety summary

Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The use of ethylene oxide in its production is a common concern, but the final ingredient is purified and deemed safe by regulatory bodies.

Research notes

While specific studies on this exact ingredient are limited, the broader class of ethoxylated emulsifiers has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and found safe. Its mildness and stability are well-documented in cosmetic formulation literature.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.5% to 5%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (CosIng), and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated similar ethoxylated ingredients and found them safe at typical use levels.
Common uses
Moisturizers, Cleansers, Sunscreens, Serums
Environmental note
This ingredient is not readily biodegradable due to its modified structure, which may be a consideration for environmentally conscious consumers.

Good to know

  • This ingredient is often used in 'microemulsion' formulas, which can deliver active ingredients more effectively.
  • It is considered a 'non-ionic' emulsifier, meaning it is less likely to interact with other charged ingredients in the formula.

Common questions

What is Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 in beauty products?

This ingredient is a helper molecule that allows oil and water to mix smoothly in your skincare products. It is made from a plant-derived fatty acid (dimer dilinoleic acid) that has been modified with ethylene oxide and then hydrogenated to make it gentle and stable. Think of it as a friendly bridge that keeps your lotion or cream from separating into watery and oily layers.

What does Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform emulsion. Its large molecular structure also helps create a lightweight, non-greasy feel on the skin, and it can act as a mild cleansing agent by helping to lift dirt and oil.

Is Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 safe for most people?

Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The use of ethylene oxide in its production is a common concern, but the final ingredient is purified and deemed safe by regulatory bodies.

Who should be careful with Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleth-60?

Those who strictly avoid any ingredients processed with ethylene oxide, even if the final product is considered safe

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety of Ethoxylated IngredientsOpenEuropean Commission CosIng DatabaseOpenPubChem - Dimer Dilinoleic AcidOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.