Diglycerin
High-Performance Humectant
INCI: Diglycerin · CAS 59113-36-9 / 25618-55-7 · EINECS 261-605-5 · Humectant · Solvent · Viscosity Modifier · Water Soluble
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Diglycerin is a high-performance humectant that delivers serious, long-lasting moisturization with a lighter, less sticky feel than standard glycerin. Formed by linking two glycerol molecules via an ether bond, it contains multiple hydroxyl groups that actively absorb and retain moisture in the stratum corneum — keeping skin hydrated, smooth, and resilient even in dry conditions.
Beyond moisturization, Diglycerin functions as a solvent carrier that enhances the dispersion of oil-soluble ingredients in aqueous systems, a viscosity modifier that improves spreadability and reduces tightness, and a texture regulator that adds lubricity to finished formulations. Its neutral pH and high biocompatibility make it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care. Biodegradable and derived from natural sources — a clean label humectant for modern formulations.
| INCI Name | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Diglycerin | 59113-36-9 / 25618-55-7 | Humectant, solvent, viscosity modifier, skin conditioner |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
| CAS number | 59113-36-9 / 25618-55-7 |
| EINECS | 261-605-5 |
| Diglycerin content | Min 80% |
| Relative density | 1.25–1.30 g/ml |
| pH | 6.8–7.2 |
| Boiling point | 290°C |
| Melting point | 10–12°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water · insoluble in oil |
| Viscosity | Moderate |
| Storage | Room temperature, sealed, away from light |
| Shelf life | 2 years from date of manufacture |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Creams, serums, and toners — enhanced moisturization | 2–8% |
| Shampoos and body washes — foam richness | 2–5% |
| Conditioners — solubility booster | 2–5% |
| Lip balms and lip glosses — moisturizing base | 2–8% |
| Hair masks and hair oils — nutrient absorption | 2–8% |
| General use range | 2–10% |
- Add to the water phase of emulsions — hot or cold processable
- Superior to glycerin in formulations where stickiness is a concern — delivers equivalent or better hydration with a lighter finish
- Functions as a solvent carrier — enhances dispersion of oil-soluble actives and essential oils in aqueous systems
- Improves viscosity and lubricity in finished formulations — reduces tightness after application
- Neutral pH and high biocompatibility — ideal for sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, and baby care
- Combine with INCI VAULT's Propanediol or Hydroxyethyl Urea for a layered, multi-functional humectant system
- Store sealed at room temperature away from light
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Need a larger quantity? Reach out — support@inci-vault.com
Diglycerin (INCI: Diglycerin · CAS 59113-36-9 / 25618-55-7) is a high-performance humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier. Less sticky than glycerin with equivalent or better moisturization. Neutral pH 6.8–7.2. Water soluble. Sensitive skin and baby care safe. Use at 2–10%. Available in 6 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz, and 1 kg.
- Facial creams, serums, and toners — 2–8% for deep, long-lasting hydration with a lighter finish than glycerin
- Shampoos and body washes — 2–5% to improve foam richness and moisturizing profile
- Conditioners — 2–5% to boost conditioning solubility and improve spreadability
- Lip balms and lip glosses — 2–8% as a moisturizing base that prevents dryness
- Hair masks and hair oils — 2–8% to improve dry, frizzy hair and enhance nutrient absorption
- Sensitive skin and baby care formulations — neutral pH, non-irritating, highly biocompatible
- Solvent carrier — enhances dispersion of oil-soluble actives and essential oils in aqueous systems
| What is Diglycerin used for?A humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier used in creams, serums, toners, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, and hair masks. Delivers deep, long-lasting moisturization with less stickiness than glycerin. |
| How is it different from glycerin?Formed by linking two glycerol molecules, Diglycerin has a higher molecular weight than standard glycerin, providing equivalent or better hydration with a lighter, less sticky skin feel. |
| What is the recommended usage rate?2–10% in finished formulations. 2–8% in creams, serums, and toners; 2–5% in shampoos and conditioners; 2–8% in lip balms and hair masks. |
| Is it safe for sensitive skin?Yes — neutral pH of 6.8–7.2, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Suitable for sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, and baby care formulations. |
| How should it be stored?Room temperature, sealed, away from light. Shelf life 2 years. |
Note: Diglycerin pairs exceptionally well with INCI VAULT's Propanediol for a layered, non-tacky humectant system — Propanediol handles penetration and solvent action while Diglycerin locks in surface moisture with a lightweight finish. For a comprehensive NMF-mimicking moisturizer, combine with INCI VAULT's Hydroxyethyl Urea for a multi-humectant system that addresses hydration at every layer of the skin.
