Ingredient dictionary

Diisopropyl Sebacate

A light, oily ester made from sebacic acid and isopropyl alcohol. It mainly works as an emollient and a solvent, helping ingredients blend smoothly into a formula. It is on the label of 15 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Diisopropyl Sebacate does

Softens and smooths skin feel
Helps dissolve UV filters and actives
Gives a light, non-greasy finish
Improves spreadability of formulas

Diisopropyl sebacate is an ester, a light oily compound formed when an acid and an alcohol join together. Here the acid is sebacic acid, which is commonly produced from castor oil, and the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol.

Formulators use it for its light, smooth feel. It can help dissolve oil-soluble UV filters in sunscreens and blend active ingredients in self tanners, so the product spreads more evenly. It leaves a soft, non-greasy finish that many people find pleasant under other products.

Good for

Suited to people who want a lightweight, non-greasy feel in sunscreens, self tanners and other lotions.

Frequently asked questions

Is diisopropyl sebacate safe for skin?

It is generally well tolerated and is used in many leave-on products. As with any ingredient, a person with very sensitive skin may react, so patch testing a new product first is a sensible habit. Check with a dermatologist if you have concerns.

Does diisopropyl sebacate make skin greasy?

Usually not. It is a light ester, so it tends to feel smoother and less oily than heavy plant oils. Formulas that contain it often leave a soft, slightly silky finish. How greasy a product feels also depends on the other ingredients and the amount used.