DMI Compatibility with Other Penetration Enhancers

Based on the information available, let's look at how DMI works with Reservoir-Tech and other penetration enhancers.

DMI and Reservoir-Tech

DMI (Dimethyl Isosorbide) acts as a solvent and a direct carrier, helping ingredients penetrate into the skin. Reservoir-Tech, on the other hand, is not a direct carrier. It functions as a film-forming agent that helps retain active ingredients on the skin and releases them gradually over time. This mechanism is particularly useful for reducing irritation from ingredients like AHA or BHA and providing a longer-lasting effect.

Due to their fundamentally different mechanisms – DMI facilitating rapid penetration and Reservoir-Tech promoting gradual release – they are not typically combined for synergistic penetration enhancement. The description for Reservoir-Tech also explicitly states it cannot be combined with Laurocapram or Phospholipid.

DMI with Other Enhancers and in Different Formulations

DMI is a versatile penetration enhancer that works primarily by improving the solubility and transport of active ingredients into the skin. It is effective in both oil-free and oil-containing formulations because it can dissolve in a wide range of substances, including water, glycols, alcohol, polysorbates, mineral oil, lanolin, and silicone oil.

DMI has been shown in clinical trials to enhance the efficiency or reduce irritation of various active ingredients when used in combination, such as:

• Salicylic Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
• Vitamin E
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Kojic Acid

While DMI can be used alongside some other formulation components like 1,2-Hexanediol and Ethoxydiglycol (which also offer other benefits like preservation or dissolving), it's important to note the caution regarding Laurocapram. The descriptions for both Laurocapram (Water Soluble) and Laurocapram (Oil Soluble) advise against using them with other carriers, except for 1,2-Hexanediol, as the overall effectiveness might be reduced.

Phospholipid is another type of carrier that can transport both water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients and aids penetration by forming liposomes. However, as mentioned, it is explicitly incompatible with Reservoir-Tech.

In summary, DMI is highly effective at enhancing the penetration of specific active ingredients in various formula types. When considering combinations with other penetration enhancers, it's crucial to understand their individual mechanisms and heed compatibility warnings, such as those for Laurocapram and Reservoir-Tech.