If you want to add actives to your water-based lotion, Gransolve DMI may be your best bet. It will significantly increase your active's efficacy and penetration to the deepest skin layers while diminishing possible irritation.

After all, an active is only as good as the vehicle used to be delivered. Otherwise, its benefits are squandered. Always remember: "Vehicles are just as important (or more so) than actives in cosmetic formulations".

So, if you are searching for a water-based lotion that works as a great odorless solvent (very important), absorption enhancer, and active stabilizer, look no further; Gransolve DMI is the perfect solution.

What Is Gransolve DMI?

Gransolve DMI is a clear, mildly oily, sugar-based liquid. It acts as a polar solvent for many skincare actives, specifically water-soluble, with no need for recrystallization of the ingredients.

This product stabilizes actives and increases its skin penetration and efficacy. This translates into less concentration to achieve the same results. Also, when using Gransolve DMI, actives have a longer dwell time in both rinse-off and leave-on presentations while lessening potential irritation to skin and eyes.

This water-based lotion is perfect for skin care, photoprotection, hair dyes, hair care and other pharmaceutical formulas. It is Halal certified, which is a worldwide accreditation recognized by MUI Indonesia, Jakim Malaysia, MUIS Singapore, and CICOT Thailand.

An added advantage of Gransolve DMI is its remarkable lack of odor, making it even more appealing for use in water-based lotions unlike regular commercial solvents that have an ether-like scent, so perfume is mandatory to cover the smell when used in formulations. 

The Benefits of Dimethyl Isosorbide

Gransolve DMI's main component is Dimethyl Isosorbide. Let's dive into this ingredient.

Dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) is an excellent solvent and increases the absorption of actives. When incorporated into skincare products, it enables the active molecules to effortlessly penetrate the skin's barrier, ensuring they don't just stay on the surface, allowing them to reach areas that may otherwise go untouched.

This solvent agent speeds up absorption and ensures complete coverage and skin saturation without a greasy after-feel. Furthermore, it extends the duration of exposure and contact for the active ingredients, allowing them to unleash their transformative capabilities.

Additionally, thanks to dimethyl isosorbide, customers won't experience any pilling when applying multiple serums, creams, or lotions during skincare layering. This ingredient is a great viscosity-decreasing agent.

There are many examples of active ingredients compatible with dimethyl isosorbide as their carrier, enhancing performance and/or reducing skin irritation.

• Salicylic acid (BHA) and lactic acid (AHA) are chemical exfoliators whose irritation potential is significantly reduced thanks to DMI.

• Dihydroxyacetone is an ingredient in sun care products, and DMI can provide better self-tanning performance.

• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and kojic acid are coveted skincare actives whose delivery and benefits can be improved when using a DMI carrier.

• Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant. Studies have shown that dimethyl isosorbide can enhance its skin-lightening properties and anti-aging benefits (patent in development).

Dimethyl Isosorbide and Benzoyl Peroxide

Dimethyl isosorbide is a penetration modifier that can enhance active ingredients' delivery into the pores to kill acne-causing bacteria. This property comes in handy for strong ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide (BP).

Multiple studies have shown that formulations with dimethyl isosorbide reduce the molecular size of BP, improving penetration, even more so than formulations using ethoxydiglycol (EDG), another vehicle commonly used in cosmetics. 

In dimethyl isosorbide formulas, BP remains fully dissolved in solution, allowing it to act immediately. Thus, concentrations between 2,5-4% of benzoyl peroxide using this hydrophase vehicle are more than effective and well-tolerated.

Indeed, with the help of dimethyl isosorbide, there is no need for concentrations over 5% (used by most OTC products), which is cost-effective and less irritating. This type of formulation has a dissolution effect on BP crystals and prevents re-agglomeration of the molecules, which may cause patches of dryness, redness, and flakiness.

Does Dimethyl Isosorbide Have Any Side Effects?

Although dimethyl isosorbide has been associated with mild skin and eye irritation, it's important to note that these reports typically refer to its pure form. When properly diluted and used in formulations, such as water-based lotions, these potential side effects are greatly minimized. 

To ensure safety, dimethyl isosorbide should be diluted to a concentration between 1- 10% solution. Actually, the recommended usage rate for skincare ingredients is 3%. When choosing the best dimethyl isosorbide for creating (or improving) a water-based lotion product line, Gransolve DMI is the best option available. It can be used in various products, from antiaging creams, tanning lotions, anti-acne formulations, skin serums, and even make-up removers.