What it is
This ingredient is a complex ester formed by reacting dimer dilinoleic acid (a branched dimer of linoleic acid) with several fatty components, including phytosteryl, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl groups. The result is a heavy, tacky-to-cushiony oil that conditions skin, adds slip and body to a formula, and helps bind and suspend powders and pigments. It is often chosen to improve the wear and even layering of mineral and tone-up sunscreens.
Safety & warnings
As a high-molecular-weight ester it stays largely on the skin surface and is generally well tolerated with low sensitizing potential. Because it is a rich, occlusive oil-phase ester, very oil-prone or acne-prone users may prefer to monitor how it suits them, though it is not a recognized strong comedogen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic ester; built from dimer dilinoleic acid (derived from plant-sourced linoleic acid) combined with fatty alcohols and a phytosterol.
Questions everyone asks
Why is this ingredient used in tone-up and mineral sunscreens?
Its rich, cushiony texture helps suspend and evenly spread mineral pigments and UV filters, improving how smoothly the product layers on skin.
Is it a natural or synthetic ingredient?
It is a synthetic ester, though it is built from fatty and plant-derived building blocks such as linoleic acid and a phytosterol.