DIISOPROPYL ETHER

📋 Quick facts

Description: DIISOPROPYL ETHER — DIISOPROPYL ETHER. Formula: C6H14O. MW: 102.17. IUPAC: 2-propan-2-yloxypropane.

Quick Facts:

• Category: other
• Also Known As: Diisopropyl ether

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• DIISOPROPYL ETHER (DIPE) is an industrial solvent used in fuel additives and battery research
• Toxicology data shows liver and kidney as main target organs; it was not found to be genotoxic
• Animal studies raised concerns about potential carcinogenicity, though it is not a mutagen
• No established safety data exists for use in skincare or cosmetic products

⚗️ Chemical Overview

Diisopropyl ether appears as a clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Flash point -18 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

Source(s): CAMEO Chemicals, via PubChem

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

DIISOPROPYL ETHER is a chemical compound that has attracted research attention for two very different applications, neither of which is skincare. #1: In automotive chemistry, DIPE functions as an oxygenate additive in fuel to reduce pollutants from fossil fuel combustion (Chemphyschem, 2020). When oxidized, it breaks down into products including acetone and propanal. #2: In battery technology, DIPE has been studied as a co-solvent in lithium metal battery electrolytes, where its branched molecular structure helps improve battery performance at very low temperatures by altering how lithium ions interact with other solvent molecules (Nanomicro Lett, 2024). #3: From a toxicology standpoint, DIPE has been evaluated for use as a residual solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Available animal studies identified the liver and kidney as primary organs affected by DIPE exposure, and researchers found no evidence it causes genetic mutations (genotoxicity). However, studies in rats suggested it may increase malignant tumor formation through a non-genotoxic mechanism—meaning the cancer risk does not appear to stem from direct DNA damage (Toxicol Res, 2018). The same 2018 toxicology review notes explicitly that “no adequate toxicological data” existed to establish safety limits for DIPE in consumer products, which is why it remains an industrial chemical rather than a skincare ingredient. The sources provided contain no clinical evidence, safety data, or testing related to skin application, absorption, or cosmetic use.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Giustini A et al. (2020). Synchrotron Photoionization Study of the Diisopropyl Ether Oxidation. Chemphyschem.
• Li H et al. (2024). Branch-Chain-Rich Diisopropyl Ether with Steric Hindrance Facilitates Stable Cycling of Lithium Batteries at - 20 °C. Nanomicro Lett.
• Romanelli L et al. (2018). Permitted Daily Exposure for Diisopropyl Ether as a Residual Solvent in Pharmaceuticals. Toxicol Res.

🧴 Products Containing DIISOPROPYL ETHER

• SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Conditioner