Solvent / vehicle ingredient
Dimethyl Isosorbide
A sugar-derived (sorbitol) dimethyl ether solvent and epidermal penetration enhancer that improves solubility and skin delivery of actives.
Also known as: dmi, dimethyl isosorbide dmi
solventpenetration-enhancer
Benefits
- ✓Dissolves actives and helps deliver them through the skin barrier
- ✓Improves bioavailability of co-formulated actives (e.g. niacinamide, retinol)
- ✓Amphiphilic — works in both aqueous and oil phases
- ✓Considered GRAS; safe at cosmetic concentrations up to ~10%
Watch for
- ⚠As a penetration enhancer, increases exposure to co-formulated actives — patch test when used with potent actives
