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Diisopropyl Adipate

What Diisopropyl Adipate is & what it does

A quick-absorbing emollient ester and solvent that softens skin and helps dissolve UV filters. It leaves a light, non-oily finish.

What is Diisopropyl Adipate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Diisopropyl Adipate is a lightweight emollient ester that also acts as a solvent. In a sunscreen it softens the skin and helps dissolve the UV filters so they stay evenly distributed in the formula. It absorbs quickly and leaves a light, non-oily finish, which is why it shows up in fluids and sprays.

Is Diisopropyl Adipate safe?

Yes. It is a widely used cosmetic ester considered well tolerated for most people. It works as a conditioning emollient and solvent and has a solid track record across lotions, sprays and sunscreens.

Does Diisopropyl Adipate clog pores?

Generally no. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data, and it is a light, fast-absorbing ester rather than a heavy oil. Skin that reacts to many esters can occasionally be sensitive, but for most people it is a low-risk emollient.

Is Diisopropyl Adipate a UV filter?

No. Diisopropyl Adipate does not provide any sun protection on its own. Its role is to dissolve the actual UV filters and condition the skin, helping those filters spread evenly. The protection comes from the filters it carries, not from this ester.

What is Diisopropyl Adipate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Diisopropyl Adipate is the INCI name printed on the label. It is the diisopropyl ester of adipic acid, used as an emollient and solvent. It usually appears in the middle of the list among the other emollients and oils.

Sunscreens with Diisopropyl Adipate

We rate 417 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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