Dimethyl Ether
Dimethyl Ether is a lightweight, fast-evaporating gas commonly used in UK beauty products as a propellant in aerosol sprays such as dry shampoos, hairsprays and body mists. It helps deliver a fine, even mist without leaving residue on skin or hair. It is valued for being odourless and quick-drying.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, dimethyl ether functions primarily as a propellant that creates the perfect spray pattern in aerosol formulations. It evaporates almost instantly upon contact with air, allowing the active ingredients to be dispersed evenly across the skin or hair without any greasy or heavy after-feel. This makes it ideal for products where a light, non-tacky finish is desired, such as dry shampoos, setting sprays and certain facial mists.
Key benefits
- Enables fine, even product distribution
- Dries almost instantly on skin and hair
- Leaves no sticky or greasy residue
- Helps create lightweight aerosol textures
- Odourless so does not interfere with fragrance
- Allows for convenient, touch-free application
Best for
all skin types, oily skin, combination skin
Where it comes from
Dimethyl Ether is a synthetic ingredient produced by the dehydration of methanol, which itself can be derived from natural gas, coal or biomass. It is not extracted directly from a plant, seed or mineral source.
Products with Dimethyl Ether
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Dimethyl Ether than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.