murphyDiisopropanolamine
AKA: 110-97-4, Bis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine, Bis(2-propanol)amine, 1'-Iminodi-2-propanol, 2-Propanol, Di-2-propanolamine, Di-isopropanolamine, DIPA (alcohol), Dipropyl-2, 2'-dihydroxy-amine
Synthetic
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from isopropanol and ammonia through a condensation reaction between these two chemical compounds. Produced via the reaction of isopropyl alcohol with formaldehyde and ammonia under controlled industrial conditions.
Diisopropanolamine is a secondary amino compound that is diethanolamine substituted by methyl groups at positions 1 and 1'. It is a versatile chemical used in a variety of personal care, cosmetic and industrial products. It has a role as a surfactant, a buffer and an emulsifier. It is an aminodiol, a secondary alcohol and a secondary amino compound. It is functionally related to a 1-aminopropan-2-ol.
Solubility Soluble (>=10 mg/ml) (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H15NO2
Mol. Weight
133.19
CAS #
110-97-4
Form
Liquid
State
Diisopropanolamine appears as colorless liquid or white to yellow crystalline solid with an odor of dead fish or ammonia. Liquid floats and mixes with water. Solid sinks and mixes in water. (USCG, 199
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Buffering
Stabilizes pH
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Human test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 165)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
7 studies / 5 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 165 and 934)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
13 studies / 9 irritating / 2 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 165 and 934)
Mixed Sensitization Results
4 studies / 2 sensitizing / 2 not sensitizing / plus 4 case reports (CIR 165 and 934)
Dermal Absorption 25%
rat (female Fischer 344) in vivo / 19.5 mg/kg 14C-DIPA in acetone applied neat after solvent evaporation / occluded 48 h (CIR 165)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.003–0.5%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2023 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR