Dimethyl Isosorbide | DMI
High-performance solvent and delivery booster that improves the solubility and penetration of difficult actives. Ideal for brightening serums, acne treatments, and advanced leave-on formulas.
Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) is a powerful cosmetic solvent used to dissolve hard-to-solubilise actives and improve how efficiently they deliver on skin.
It is commonly used in advanced brightening, acne, and texture formulas where you need better solubility and smoother sensory without a heavy oily feel.
DMI is water miscible and also compatible with many solvents and oils, making it a flexible tool for modern serums, gels, and emulsions.
FEATURES
- Solubility booster – helps dissolve stubborn actives and reduces crystallisation risk.
- Delivery support – improves penetration of compatible actives for stronger performance.
- Non-greasy – lightweight solvent feel that suits elegant leave-on textures.
- Water miscible – integrates smoothly into water-based serums and gels.
BEST FOR
- Brightening serums
- Acne treatments
- Tranexamic acid blends
- Azelaic acid delivery systems
- Gel serums
- Active-heavy creams
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Dimethyl Isosorbide |
|---|---|
| Type | Solvent + delivery enhancer |
| Solubility | Water miscible and solvent-compatible (also blends with many oils and esters) |
| Use Rate | 1–15% typical. 2–8% is common in serums. Higher levels are used in advanced active delivery systems. |
| Best Phase | Water phase or solvent phase (add early for solubility work) |
| pH Compatibility | Works across common skincare pH ranges. We recommend aligning pH to your active system (often pH 4.5–6.5). |
| Temperature Tolerance | Stable under normal processing. We recommend adding below 60°C and avoiding unnecessary heat holding. |
| Pro Tip | Use DMI to dissolve hard-to-solubilise actives and reduce crystallisation risk in brightening and acne formulas. Pre-dissolve your active in DMI (and other compatible solvents if needed) before adding to the main batch for best uniformity. Because DMI can boost delivery, support the formula with soothing ingredients and run tolerance checks early. |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Stability Notes | Very stable. Most issues come from active incompatibility rather than the solvent itself. Validate active stability and crystallisation over time. |
| Storage | Keep sealed, cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. |
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