Diisopropyl Adipate
Ester of isopropanol and adipic acid – a lightweight liquid emollient. Gives quick absorption and improves the spread of sunscreens and creams. Non-comedogenic and pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Combination, Oily
About this ingredient
Diisopropyl Adipate is a diester of isopropyl alcohol and adipic acid. INCI: Diisopropyl Adipate. It is produced by esterifying adipic acid with isopropanol over an acidic catalyst. A colorless oily liquid with very low viscosity. In cosmetics it works as a dry emollient and solubilizer. It dissolves oil-soluble UV filters (avobenzone, octocrylene) and crystalline actives. It gives quick absorption without a greasy film – convenient for sunscreens, BB creams and primers. Use levels run from 2 to 20%. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal. CIR rates the safety profile as acceptable. No teratogenic effects are described. Skin profile. Low irritation and allergen potential. Comedogenicity on the rabbit-ear model is 0-1, not clinically relevant in real skin. Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin. For very dry skin it is better to combine it with heavier emollients – DIA alone does not seal the barrier. There are no active effects – it is a working solvent and sensorial modifier.
Frequently asked questions
Is Diisopropyl Adipate safe during pregnancy?
Diisopropyl Adipate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Diisopropyl Adipate for?
Diisopropyl Adipate suits: normal, combination, oily.
What is Diisopropyl Adipate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Ester of isopropanol and adipic acid – a lightweight liquid emollient.
Is Diisopropyl Adipate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Diisopropyl Adipate?
The INCI name is Diisopropyl Adipate. It may also appear as: DIA.
See Diisopropyl Adipate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Diisopropyl Sebacate, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, Dimethyl Adipate, Dimethyl Glutarate, Menthyl PCA, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate, Sodium Silicate, Beta-Caryophyllene
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