DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE
Dimethyl isosorbide, internationally identified as DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, is an organic molecule also known as isosorbide dimethyl ether. It is not an oil or a plant extract: it is a defined substance used when a formula needs to keep certain components dissolved in a liquid phase.
DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE: what it is
Dimethyl isosorbide, internationally identified as DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, is an organic molecule also known as isosorbide dimethyl ether. It is not an oil or a plant extract: it is a defined substance used when a formula needs to keep certain components dissolved in a liquid phase.
Its name resembles isosorbide, but the two are not the same substance. Dimethyl isosorbide has two methoxy groups in its structure; that difference helps explain why it is used as a formulation liquid rather than presented as a botanical active or an oily texture ingredient.
DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, dimethyl isosorbide primarily works as a solvent. In practical terms, it can help dissolve and distribute compatible components, so a formula does not have to rely only on water or oils to bring its ingredients together.
It is also used to adjust viscosity, meaning how readily a product flows from its package and spreads. Skin-delivery studies have included dimethyl isosorbide in systems containing other solvents and niacinamide; this kind of research does not show that dimethyl isosorbide alone treats the skin.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
