What does dimethyl isosorbide do in skincare products?

Dimethyl isosorbide acts as a solvent and a penetration enhancer, helping active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C to absorb more deeply and effectively into the skin. It also helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.

Can dimethyl isosorbide make my skin more sensitive?

Dimethyl isosorbide itself is generally mild, but by increasing the penetration of other active ingredients, it can potentially make your skin more sensitive to those actives. If you have sensitive skin, introduce products containing it gradually.

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Dimethyl Isosorbide

Dimethyl isosorbide is a solvent derived from corn sugar that helps dissolve other ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Its primary function is to enhance the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, allowing them to work more effectively. This can improve the overall performance of a product.

Solvent, penetration enhancerVegan

BenefitMinimal 1 / 4

RiskLow 1 / 4

Irritation i1 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

Barrier disruption i0.5 / 4

Whether it can weaken or damage the skin barrier — harsh surfactants, strong exfoliants, high alcohol content, or overuse-prone actives.

Eye irritation i0.5 / 4

Whether it may sting or irritate around the eyes. Relevant for sunscreens, fragrances, acids, surfactants, and volatile ingredients.

Sensitization i0.5 / 4

Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

Enhances active ingredient delivery
Improves product stability
Reduces stickiness of formulations

Things to watch

Potential for increased irritation from other actives due to enhanced penetration
Rare instances of mild skin irritation

Be careful combining with

Retinoid — Dimethyl isosorbide can increase the penetration of retinoids, potentially leading to heightened irritation or sensitivity, especially for new users or those with sensitive skin.
Aha — Enhanced penetration of AHAs by dimethyl isosorbide might increase the risk of irritation, redness, or stinging, particularly in higher concentrations.
Vitamin C — While beneficial for delivery, increased penetration of Vitamin C (especially L-Ascorbic Acid) could lead to more pronounced tingling or irritation in some individuals.

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Products with Dimethyl Isosorbide

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum

4/ 55/8/6

L'Oréal Paris

Age Perfect Cell Renew Day Cream

3.9/ 56/30/15

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

3.8/ 54/5/2

St. Tropez

Self Tan Classic Bronzing Lotion (Light/Medium)

3.5/ 53/12/19

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Frequently asked questions

What does dimethyl isosorbide do in skincare products?: Dimethyl isosorbide acts as a solvent and a penetration enhancer, helping active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C to absorb more deeply and effectively into the skin. It also helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Can dimethyl isosorbide make my skin more sensitive?: Dimethyl isosorbide itself is generally mild, but by increasing the penetration of other active ingredients, it can potentially make your skin more sensitive to those actives. If you have sensitive skin, introduce products containing it gradually.