Dilauryl Thiodipropionate

Dilauryl thiodipropionate is a lipophilic antioxidant/stabilizer used at low concentrations (typically well under 1%) to prevent rancidity in oils and emulsions. Available safety and patch-test data generally show low irritation and low sensitization potential, but as a sulfur-containing thioester it can still provoke occasional reactions in highly reactive or eczematous skin, so it is best treated as very gentle rather than completely inert. Safety Notes: Dilauryl thiodipropionate is a sulfur-based antioxidant/processing stabilizer used primarily to protect oils, fragrances, and colorants from oxidation, so it is often present at very low levels (~0.01–0.05%) in mass-market leave-on creams/lotions and rinse-off cleansers where oxidative load is modest. In high-lipid anhydrous products (balms, sticks, hair oils/serums) and in “anti-oxidant boosted” specialty formulations sold OTC, it is used higher—commonly ~0.1–0.5% and observed up to about 1.0% when paired with phenolic antioxidants (e.g., BHT/tocopherol) for aggressive stabilization. There is no specific EU/FDA cosmetic maximum for DLTP, so the practical upper end is driven by solubility, odor/color impact, and compatibility rather than a hard regulatory cap.