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Diisopropyl Sebacate

What Diisopropyl Sebacate is & what it does

Diisopropyl Sebacate is a lightweight synthetic emollient, the ester of sebacic acid and isopropyl alcohol, used to give a smooth, fast-spreading, non-greasy slip. In a sunscreen it helps dissolve oil-soluble UV filters and carry them into an even film, which improves both feel and how evenly the protection lays down. It leaves a dry, silky finish rather than a heavy or tacky one, so it suits fluid and oil-control formulas.

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

Diisopropyl Sebacate is an emollient, a lightweight ester that softens skin and gives a smooth, fast-spreading slip. In sunscreen it doubles as a solvent for oil-soluble UV filters, helping them dissolve fully and spread into an even film. The payoff is a lighter, less greasy feel and more uniform protection, which is why it appears in fluid and oil-control sunscreens.

Is Diisopropyl Sebacate safe?

Yes. It is a long-established cosmetic emollient and solvent that is well tolerated at the levels used in skincare and sunscreen. It works on the skin surface and is not associated with notable irritation for most people. As with any emollient, very sensitive skin can occasionally react, but it is not considered a problem ingredient.

Does Diisopropyl Sebacate clog pores?

Generally no. It is a light, low-viscosity ester rather than a heavy oil or wax, and it is not flagged as comedogenic in our data. Its dry, fast-absorbing finish is part of why it is chosen for oil-control and fluid sunscreens. If you are breaking out, richer emollients elsewhere in a formula are the more likely cause.

Is Diisopropyl Sebacate natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. It is made by joining sebacic acid with isopropyl alcohol to form an ester, a lab step that produces a consistent, purified emollient. The starting materials can be partly plant-derived, but the finished ingredient does not occur in nature.

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

"Diisopropyl Sebacate" is the INCI name printed on the label, so it appears exactly that way. It is the diisopropyl ester of sebacic acid, used as an emollient and a solvent for filters. It usually sits in the middle of the list, among the other emollients and oils.

Sunscreens with Diisopropyl Sebacate

We rate 449 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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