Diisopropyl Sebacate

Diisopropyl Sebacate is an emollient ester/solvent used in leave-on products typically around 1–20% to improve slip and spreadability. In human repeat-insult patch testing and general cosmetic safety assessments, it is generally classified as non-irritating or only minimally irritating, with low sensitization potential. Because severely compromised or eczematous skin can react to otherwise bland lipids/solvents, I rate it as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: Diisopropyl sebacate is used as a lightweight emollient/slip agent and solvent for lipophilic UV filters, fragrances, and actives; in many mass-market leave-on lotions/serums and some rinse-off cleansers it appears at low levels (~0.1–2%) as part of the emollient system. In anhydrous or low-water systems (sunscreens, facial oils, makeup primers/foundations, and silicone/hydrocarbon-reduced 'dry touch' products) it is commonly used at higher levels (~5–20%) to improve spread and sensorial, and consumer-available high-slip anhydrous formulations can reach ~25–35% where it functions as a primary emollient/solvent. No specific EU/FDA concentration cap is generally applied to diisopropyl sebacate itself; the practical upper end is set by sensorial targets, solubility, and viscosity/film requirements rather than regulation.