Name Dimethyl Isosorbide Description Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) is a solvent derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol commonly found in fruits and plants. It is often used in cosmetic formulations and pharmaceutical products to enhance the delivery of active ingredients into the skin. Benefits Enhances the spreadability and sensory feel of creams, lotions, and serums. Helps actives penetrate the skin. Has a texture similar to silicone compounds. Considerations • Penetration Enhancer
Dimethyl isosorbide may penetrate the skin barrier and allow other chemicals present in a formula to follow.
• Contamination Concerns
May contain traces of carcinogenic ethylene oxide or its carcinogenic by-product, 1,4-dioxane. Synonyms Isosorbide dimethyl ether
2,5-Dimethylisosorbide
1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol
D-Glucitol, 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl
Sorbitol, 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl Research Sources https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/62990
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18832865/
https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/dimethyl-isosorbide Summary Penetration enhancer, ethoxylated chemical