Dimethyl isosorbide [DMI] is a solvent made from starch. It increases the solubility of many different active ingredients and increases their penetration into the skin. The ability of dimethyl isosorbide to enhance solubility is superior to propylene glycol and ethyl alcohol, two commonly used solvent. It reduces the amount of an active ingredient needed to have an effect, which is particularly good for reducing the irritation of harsh actives. Dimethyl isosorbide increases the activity of a formulation, in several cases. Dimethyl isosorbide improves the overall properties of formulations, including skin feel and consistency.
The compatibility of dimethyl isosorbide with many compounds makes it suited for different types of formulations. It can be used along with other penetration enhancers including non-ionic surfactants.
It also increases the shelf stability of a product. Overall, addition of dimethyl isosorbide can improve the properties of a product. Dimethyl isosorbide has a low viscosity, meaning it is not very thick. This contributes to its pleasant skin feel.
Dimethyl isosorbide can also make formulations less irritating. It can be combined with benzoyl peroxide, a common anti-acne medication that can result in skin irritation. Dimethyl isosorbide reduces the irritation potential of benzoyl peroxide and prevents its crystallization when applied to skincare. By increasing solubility, it can allow for a greater amount of hard-to-dissolve actives, increasing the effectiveness of the product.
It helps salicylic acid, an anti-acne treatment, to penetrate deep into the skin and have an effect quicker. It helps target delivery of this active to problem areas in the skin
It can also reduce the amount of active ingredient needed, as it allows more of the active to penetrate the skin and have an effect. This is particularly useful for actives that are known to irritate the skin when used in high concentrations.
Dimethyl isosorbide also increases the activity of ferulic acid and other antioxidants. By adding dimethyl isosorbide, it was able to penetrate the skin and protect against UV damage.
NOTE: It is insoluble in hydrogenated castor oil, lanolin, mineral oils or silicone oil (dimethicone).
Benefits of Dimethyl Isosorbide in skin care:
- Enhanced penetration of actives to the epidermis, enabling targeted delivery
- A lower level of skin irritation with a reduction in the required concentration level of aggressive actives.
- Improved formulation shelf stability.
- Miscibility with most organic solvents and non-ionic surfactants.
- Incorporation within many product forms, including clear gels .
- Known for safe usage.
- Ability to transport water soluble actives into skin, without recrystallization of the active.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS:
CAS Number: 5306-85-4
INCI NAME: Dimethyl Isosorbide
APPEARANCE: Clear colorless liquid.
SOLUBILITY: soluble in water, IPM, 1,3 propanediol, propylene glycol, polysorbate 80 &20.
PH STABILITY RANGE: 3-7
PURITY: (99.0%).
USAGE RATE: 1-10%.
Country of origin: USA.
STORAGE: Store in a cool, under room temperature and dry place. Avoid Heat & Light.
PACKAGE: Tightly sealed bottle to protect from heat & light.
Shelf Life: 36Months from manufacturing (All products packaging carry best before/shelf life dates on each label).
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER : All our cosmetics ingredients are for external use only, unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.