The Index · Solvent / delivery aid
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Sugar-derived solvent used to dissolve and help deliver polar actives.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
Sign in to save and follow
Sugar-derived solvent used to dissolve and help deliver polar actives.
What it does
Often paired with niacinamide or zinc salts to improve clarity and delivery feel.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Useful solvent; clinical “penetration” claims are formula-dependent. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Sugar-derived solvent used to dissolve and help deliver polar actives.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Dimethyl Isosorbide. SpecialChem (2024)other
- [2]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Isosorbide derivatives context. CIR (2015)regulator
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk