Common Name(s): Hydrogenated dimer fatty alcohol,hydrogenated c36 dimer alcohol,saturated dimer-1,2-alkanediol
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides long-lasting, non-greasy emolliency from a high molecular weight branched dimer alcohol.
Why It's Used: Branched c36 dimer alcohol (from c18:2 linoleic acid dimerization) hydrogenated for oxidative stability; very high mw provides substantive, non-migrating skin film with long-wear performance.
How It Works: C36 branching prevents crystallization; high mw prevents skin penetration resulting in surface-substantive emolliency; hydrogenation provides oxidative stability; used in long-wear color cosmetics.
Typically Found In: Long-wear color cosmetics,premium skin care,substantive emollient systems
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,film forming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes - standard ethanol routes are non-animal; confirm denaturant origin
Halal Status: Conditional - ethanol production route and residual concentration; jurisdiction-dependent, refer to certifier stance
Source Notes: From hydrogenated dimerized linoleic acid (c18:2) fatty alcohol; plant-derived dimer. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: ethanol pathway; determination depends on route, on whether the plant also produces beverage alcohol, and on residual concentration. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other high-mw emollients,waxes,dimethicone
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Dimer fatty alcohols are produced by dimerization of c18:2 linoleic acid followed by carboxyl-to-alcohol reduction; the c36 branched structure provides outstanding substantivity and long-wear performance; hydrogenation provides oxidative stability.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary