Delight your loved ones with a Typology gift card
Library
All Topics
What is "Diethyl Sebacate" and what is its utility?

What is "Diethyl Sebacate" and what is its utility?

Diethyl Sebacate is an ingredient found in a wide range of skincare products. Derived from Dibutyl Sebacate, it is obtained through chemical synthesis. It has multiple virtues. Let's focus on Diethyl Sebacate and its usefulness.

Summary
Published November 16, 2021, updated on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min read

Diethyl Sebacate: Everything You Need to Know About This Ingredient

Diethyl Sebacate is a liquid flavoring agent, colorless to pale yellow in appearance. Obtained through chemical synthesis, this ingredient is miscible with alcohol, ether, and other organic solvents. Moreover, it is insoluble in water. It is produced by heating sebacic acid and ethanol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4 or other acid catalysts.

Diethyl Sebacate is a derivative of Dibutyl Sebacate (D429525), a dibutyl ester of sebacic acid. It is a transparent, colorless, oily, and odorless liquid used for plasticization: cellulose acetate, PVC, polyvinyl butyral, rubber... It provides good resistance to water, light, and cold for skincare products.

Diethyl Sebacate: What is its purpose?

The functions of Diethyl Sebacate are as follows:

  • It softens and makes the skin more supple;

  • It masks the scent of the treatments;

  • It maintains the skin in good condition;

  • It dissolves other substances.

This is about:

  • Of a masking agent;

  • Of an emollient agent;

  • Of a skin cleansing and conditioning agent;

  • From a solvent;

  • Of a plasticizer.

Diethyl Sebacate is also used in:

  • The production of plastics, specifically:

  • Cellulose Acetate Butyrate;

  • Cellulose Acetate Propionate;

  • Ethylcellulose;

  • Polyvinylbutyral;

  • The polyvinyl chloride;

  • Polystyrene;

  • Many synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber and neoprene.

  • The production of petroleum-based lubricants;

  • The procedures for administering drugs through biodegradable encapsulations.

Diethyl Sebacate can be used:

  • For the plastics used in the food packaging industry;

  • In the plastics used for medical devices;

  • Pharmaceutical applications.

Furthermore, Diethyl Sebacate can also be used as a lubricant in shaving care products and as a flavor additive in ice creams, non-alcoholic beverages, candies, and popsicles.

It can also be used as a film-forming agent. It is applied as a thin film on the skin, hair, or nails.

The legislation of the European Union indicates that this ingredient is not classified as dangerous.

Diethyl Sebacate: In which skincare products can this ingredient be found?

Diethyl Sebacate is present in many skincare products:

  • Facial creams;

  • Sunscreen creams;

  • Haircare treatments;

  • Sunscreen sprays.

This ingredient is widely used in the United States and Japan as an emulsifier in:

  • Hand creams;

  • Skin and hair care;

  • Topical medications such as ointments, creams, and lotions, used to treat fungal infections, corticosteroids. These medications are generally composed of additives and solvents that may cause an allergic reaction.

Diethyl sebacate is added to facilitate the penetration of ingredients into the skin. Our SPF30 aloe vera facial sunscreen contains it. In addition to preventing photoaging, this treatment serves to deeply hydrate the skin. Thanks to its light texture, it absorbs quickly and leaves no oily or shiny effect after application.

Diagnostic

Understand your skin
and its complex needs.