Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate is a chemical compound, a rather complex ester obtained from fatty alcohols and sterols.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Phytosteryl, Isostearyl, Cetyl, Stearyl, Behenyl" are all fatty alcohols, compounds derived from fatty acids, and are often used in cosmetics for their emollient and stabilizing properties.
• "Dimer" indicates that two molecules of a compound have joined to form a single entity.
• "Dilinoleate" is an ester formed from linoleic acid.
• "Di" suggests that there are two linoleic groups in the compound.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Fatty Alcohols - Phytosteryl, isostearyl, cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl.
• Linoleic Acid - A polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Preparation of Alcohols - The fatty alcohols are purified and taken in the required quantities.
• Reaction - The linoleic acid reacts with the fatty alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst to form the dilinoleate ester.
• Purification - Removal of unreacted reagents and possible impurities through purification techniques like distillation or chromatography.
• Verification - The identity and purity of the compound are verified using techniques like mass spectrometry and chromatography.
• Drying - The ester is dried to remove any trace solvents.

Typically appears as a waxy or oily substance, although its exact consistency may vary depending on the specific formulation and the presence of other ingredients. Generally lipophilic i.e., soluble in oils and not soluble in water.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Commercial applications

Cosmetics. Incorporated into creams, lotions, and lip balms due to its emollient and moisturizing properties.

Hair Care Products. Used in some hair products to enhance texture and provide moisture.

Medical Applications

Research. Studied for its potential benefits in treating dry or damaged skin.

Dermatological Treatments. Potentially employed in products for extremely dry skin or skin affected by eczema.