Diisopropanolamine
molecular structure · PubChem
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
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
Functions
Buffering
Stabilizes pH
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the early 20th century as an organic chemical. Adopted by the cosmetics industry as a pH buffer and emulsifying agent to neutralize acids in formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR