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Humectant

Diglycerin

Dimethyl glycerin — a next-generation moisturizer with a higher molecular weight and less stickiness than regular glycerin. Popular in K-beauty formulas due to its ability to retain moisture without the unpleasant sticky feeling.

glycerin dimermoisturizerless sticky than glycerinK-beauty
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Diglycerin (INCI: Diglycerin) — polyol, formed during the diesterification of two glycerin molecules. Synthetic or from plant sources (hydrolysis of vegetable oils). Functions: 1) Powerful hygroscopic moisturizer; 2) Solvent (for some actives better than glycerin); 3) Texturizing agent — improves "slip"; 4) pH stabilizer. Key advantage over glycerin: lower viscosity and stickiness with similar moisturizing ability → "clean finish" without the "residue" effect on the skin.

K-beauty essences and lotions, lightweight moisturizing layers in multi-step routines, products for oily and combination skin, toners.

Key Benefits

✦
Powerful hydration without the sticky feeling
Diglycerin retains water as effectively as glycerin (4 hydroxyl groups) but the higher molecular weight reduces viscosity and stickiness. Result: products with diglycerin are hydrated but "light to the touch." Especially popular in Japanese and Korean cosmetics, where "clean" and "lightweight" texture is the standard. Effective in concentrations of 3–10%.
◈
Improvement of texture and "slip" of formulas
Diglycerin gives formulas a characteristic slip without greasiness. In toners and essences: allows actives to distribute evenly across the skin. In creams: improves spreadability and application. Lower viscosity than glycerin → easier to incorporate into thin aqueous formulas (toners, mist sprays) without strong thickening.
✧
Versatile solvent for complex formulas
Diglycerin is a better solvent for some hydrophilic actives and natural extracts than glycerin. Improves the solubility of some peptides, vitamin complexes, and plant extracts. Used in K-beauty as an "essence medium" — a base for concentrated serums with complex active compositions.

Suitable for

oily skincombination skinK-beauty formats

Main Actions

✓ hydration without the sticky feeling✓ improvement of texture slip✓ dissolving complex actives
Diglycerin vs Glycerin — when to use each

Glycerin: cheaper, more powerful moisturizer, but stickier. Better for creams and masks. Diglycerin: more expensive, less sticky, ideal for toners and lightweight essences. Polyglycerin-3, Polyglycerin-10: even larger molecules — even less stickiness, higher price. Triglycerin (triglycerol): rare, even less sticky. For oily skin or K-beauty: diglycerin > glycerin. For an effective cream for dry skin: glycerin > diglycerin.

CategoryHumectants

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Diglycerin do for skin?
K-beauty essences and lotions, lightweight moisturizing layers in multi-step routines, products for oily and combination skin, toners.
Who should use Diglycerin?
Diglycerin is suitable for: oily skin, combination skin, K-beauty formats.
Are there any warnings about Diglycerin?
Glycerin: cheaper, more powerful moisturizer, but stickier. Better for creams and masks. Diglycerin: more expensive, less sticky, ideal for toners and lightweight essences. Polyglycerin-3, Polyglycerin-10: even larger molecules — even less stickiness, higher price. Triglycerin (t

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