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DIISOPROPANOLAMINE.

Valuable CAS 110-97-4 / BUFFERING

Diisopropanolamine is a versatile cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as a pH adjuster, crucial for maintaining optimal product acidity or alkalinity. It also serves as an emulsifying agent and surfactant, enhancing formulation stability and performance by modifying surface tension.

Summary

pH adjuster Emulsifying agent Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a potent pH adjuster, Diisopropanolamine effectively neutralizes acids and imparts basicity to solutions, thereby stabilizing the product's pH within a desired range. Additionally, it acts as an emulsifier and surfactant, reducing the surface tension between immiscible phases to facilitate the formation and maintenance of stable emulsions.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Human clinical trials demonstrated that Diisopropanolamine at a 2% concentration did not induce allergic contact dermatitis or photoallergic dermatitis.
  2. 02 Cosmetic and personal care products containing up to 1% Diisopropanolamine were identified as minimal skin irritants and contact sensitizers.
  3. 03 Repeated dermal application of products containing ≤1% Diisopropanolamine is unlikely to lead to toxicologically significant systemic concentrations, attributed to its slow absorption and rapid elimination.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Diisopropanolamine is a fundamental formulation excipient critical for product stability and pH balance, not an active ingredient typically subjected to 'dusting' or overemphasis on its skin-benefiting 'efficacy'.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient functions as a buffering and pH-adjusting agent, capable of neutralizing acids. A 5% aqueous solution has a pH between 11.4-11.5, with a pKa of 9.1, confirming its basic nature. It may exhibit sensitivity to light and air.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (potential for nitrosamine formation)
  • Isocyanates
  • Halogenated organics
  • Peroxides
  • Acidic phenols
  • Epoxides
  • Anhydrides
  • Acid halides
  • Oxidizing materials

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel, in which the FDA participates, has concluded Diisopropanolamine is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%. It is critical that it is not used in formulations containing N-nitrosating agents, as this could lead to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Diisopropanolamine is a valuable formulation excipient, offering essential pH control and emulsion stability within products, with a well-established safety profile when used below 1% and kept separate from N-nitrosating agents.

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