murphyDiacetone Alcohol
AKA: 4-HYDROXY-4-METHYL-2-PENTANONE, 123-42-2, 4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one, Diacetonalkohol, Diketone alcohol, Diacetonalcohol, Tyranton, Acetonyldimethylcarbinol, Pyranton A
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
OriginSynthesized from acetone, a volatile organic compound derived from petroleum or produced through isopropanol oxidation. Produced through aldol condensation of acetone molecules, followed by dehydration to form the final compound.
4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one
Solubility Miscible (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
C6H12O2
Mol. Weight
116.16
CAS #
123-42-2
Form
Liquid
State
Diacetone alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point below 141 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Perfuming
Dissolves other ingredients
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 813)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
4 studies / 1 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 813)
Eye Irritant in Testing
3 studies / 3 irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 813)
Dermal Absorption 0.04–60%
human cadaver abdominal skin / in vitro diffusion cells / radiolabeled Diacetone Alcohol in water 25 mg/cm2 / 10 min 1 h or 24 h (CIR 813)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00029–0.84%
Rinse-off0.00076–9.2%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2019 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR