Penetration Enhancer DMI (Dimethyl Isosorbide)
Low volatility, low toxicity, high boiling point with excellent safety performance
Product overview
DMI can significantly boost the penetration of active ingredients, enabling targeted permeation through the stratum corneum. As a new-generation safe and irritation-free penetration enhancer, it features excellent amphiphilic solubility in both oil and water, making it easier to incorporate into formulations. Clinical trials demonstrate its permeation-promoting effect is 3 times that of azone, while its safety profile is 370 times higher than azone.
Composition Information
| INCI | CAS | EC |
|---|---|---|
| DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE | 5306-85-4 | 226-159-8 |
Literature & Patents
The relevant research paper *Study on the Application of Novel Penetration Enhancer DMI in Cosmetics* was published in *Chemical Enterprise Management*, Issue 29, 2024, and can be retrieved on CNKI.
Mechanism of Action
1. Dissolve free fatty acids in the stratum corneum of skin and improve the penetration capacity across skin membrane.
2. Act as a solvent to dissolve active ingredients and carry active components into skin.
3. Enhance the delivery and penetration performance of other ingredients in the formula.
Experimental Data
1. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) test:
DMI can reduce the crystal size of BPO and inhibit crystal agglomeration to prevent skin scratch damage by particles. Patch test combined with laser Doppler perfusion imaging shows that 3% DMI significantly mitigates skin irritation induced by BPO.
2. Fluorescence penetration test on skin tissue sections (Guangzhou Institute of Medical Devices):
Compared with other common penetration enhancers at the same concentration, DMI enables marker penetration into the dermis with partial diffusion into subcutaneous tissue, demonstrating excellent penetration depth.
Product specifications
| INCI Name: | DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE |
|---|---|
| Source: | Bio-based renewable raw material. Its core component is isosorbide derived from sorbitol, which is produced by hydrolysis and hydrogenation of starch from corn and wheat. |
| Recommended dosage: | Mask products: 0.2–1% Skin lightening and anti-spot products: 0.5–5% |
| Appearance: | Colorless and transparent liquid |
Key benefits
1. Wide scope of application, applicable to cosmetics and topical medicines.
2. Mild nature; it does not irritate the skin and can reduce irritation induced by other actives in the formula.
3. Good formulation compatibility and stability, wide formulation adaptability range and excellent storage stability.
4. Penetration enhancement to boost permeation of active ingredients and enable targeted delivery; it also delivers high-efficiency delivery for hydrophilic active substances.
5. Helps reduce formulation cost; it can lower the dosage of active ingredients in the formula while achieving equivalent efficacy.
Applications and formulation
Feeding Process
Oil-phase products may be added to the oil phase and heated prior to emulsification; for other dosage forms, addition can be performed at any production stage.
Formulation Recommendations
1. Miscible with water at any ratio.
2. Miscible with most organic solvents including glycerin, propylene glycol.
3. Miscible with all types of ester oils at any ratio.
4. Enhances solubility of sparingly soluble actives; inhibits precipitation of phenylethyl resorcinol to prevent associated efficacy loss and irritation hazards.
Application
Suitable for skincare products such as serums, creams, eye creams, facial masks, essence toners and other skincare formulations.
Reliable B2B supply
Packaging
25 kg/drum
Storage Conditions
Seal tightly, store in cool, dry conditions.
Supporting Documents
- CISAR: Full Cosmetic Safety Assessment Report
- PPT: Complete Product Introduction Presentation
- FCRM: Full Raw Material Composition Report
- MFC: Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
- MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
- SP: Product Specification Sheet
- PPRD: Pesticide Residue Declaration for Raw Materials
- TDS: Technical Data Sheet
- RMI: Raw Material Information Package
