February 19, 2025
DMSO: The Next Big Thing to Enhance Topical Formulations and Ingredient Bioavailability
When it comes to topical products, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that active ingredients are absorbed effectively through the skin. While traditional methods can have their limitations, advancements in formulation science are revealing new ways to boost bioavailability. One compound gaining traction is DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide). Known for its ability to enhance the penetration of other substances through the skin, DMSO is quickly becoming an exciting tool for formulators looking to create more effective topical products.
What is DMSO and How Does It Work?
DMSO is a naturally occurring plant source compound derived from many kinds of wood and is primarily known for its penetration-enhancing properties. When applied topically, it can help carry other active ingredients deeper into the skin by acting as a carrier molecule. DMSO can increase the permeability of the skin’s barrier, allowing for better absorption of medicinal compounds, including cannabinoids, essential oils, and other active ingredients.
Its effectiveness in enhancing absorption has made DMSO a popular choice in a variety of topical treatments, particularly for pain management, inflammation relief, and skin health. Clinical studies have confirmed its ability to enhance the transdermal delivery of certain compounds, leading to better therapeutic results.
The Core Benefits of DMSO in Topical Products
- Enhanced Absorption: By improving the permeability of the skin, DMSO helps other active ingredients reach deeper layers of the skin, maximizing their effectiveness.
- Pain Relief: DMSO has been clinically shown to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This makes it a powerful addition to topical products targeting joint pain, muscle soreness, or post-workout recovery.
- Non-Toxic: When used correctly, DMSO is non-toxic and safe for topical application, making it an ideal candidate for enhancing other beneficial ingredients.
More Supporting Bioavailability-Boosting Compounds for More Effective Topical Formulations:
#1. Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)
Piperine, the active compound found in black pepper, has been shown to increase the bioavailability of many substances. By inhibiting certain enzymes in the liver and intestines, piperine can help improve the absorption of ingredients like CBD, turmeric, and other cannabinoids. In fact, studies show that piperine can increase the bioavailability of curcumin (from turmeric) by up to 2000%, making it an excellent addition to anti-inflammatory topicals.
Recommended Dosage: 0.5% to 1% in topical formulations
#2. Ethanol (Corn Alcohol)
Ethanol is a plant-based extract that is commonly used in topical formulations to enhance the penetration of active ingredients. As a solvent, ethanol can disrupt the skin’s outermost layers, enabling active compounds to penetrate more effectively. When used in small amounts, ethanol can improve the delivery of compounds like CBD, THC, and essential oils, making it an excellent addition to many therapeutic lotions and creams.
Recommended Dosage: 10% to 15% in the formulation
#3. Menthol (Peppermint Alcohol)
Menthol is a plant-based ingredient that is not only a popular ingredient for its cooling effect but also serves as a penetration enhancer. It can help increase the absorption of other active ingredients in the skin while providing a soothing and refreshing sensation. Topicals containing menthol have been shown to enhance the delivery of compounds like CBD and capsaicin, making it a valuable addition for pain relief formulations.
Recommended Dosage: 1% to 5% in the formulation
Why DMSO Should Be in Your Next Topical Formula?
The power of DMSO lies in its ability to enhance the effectiveness of a wide range of ingredients, increasing their absorption and bioavailability. By pairing DMSO with other absorption-boosting compounds like piperine, ethanol, and menthol, formulators can create highly effective topicals that deliver fast-acting relief.
Given its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and carry other ingredients with it, DMSO can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD, THC, and other plant-based extracts. Whether you’re developing a pain relief cream, anti-inflammatory balm, or hydrating skin lotion, DMSO can take your formulation to the next level by ensuring the active ingredients are delivered to the intended target areas.
The Growing Market for Topicals and Enhanced Bioavailability
The demand for topical products, especially those containing cannabinoids and natural ingredients, is growing rapidly. With the increasing interest in CBD, THC, and other plant-based wellness products, consumers are looking for topicals that deliver faster and more effective results. As more people turn to topicals for pain relief, skin health, and general wellness, it’s crucial for brands to focus on improving the bioavailability of their products to meet consumer expectations.
According to a Grand View Research report, the global pain relief market is expected to reach $19.9 billion by 2027, and the CBD skincare market is expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2025. With this in mind, incorporating bioavailability-enhancing ingredients like DMSO into your formulations will help differentiate your products in an increasingly competitive market.
DMSO Clinical Research References
Kalia, Y. N., & Guy, R. H. (1992). Mechanism of enhancement of transdermal drug delivery by dimethyl sulfoxide. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 81(7), 875–879.
This study explores how DMSO alters skin barrier properties to facilitate drug permeation—a key factor in enhancing bioavailability via transdermal routes.Williams, A. C., & Barry, B. W. (1991). Penetration enhancers. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 7(3), 333–348.
This comprehensive review discusses various penetration enhancers (including DMSO), their mechanisms of action, and their impact on the bioavailability of topical and transdermal formulations.Prausnitz, M. R., Mitragotri, S., & Langer, R. (2004). Current status and future potential of transdermal drug delivery. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 3(2), 115–124.
Although broader in scope, this review covers advances in transdermal drug delivery systems and highlights the role of penetration enhancers like DMSO in improving drug absorption.Santos, N. C., Figueira-Coelho, J., Martins-Silva, J., & Saldanha, C. (2003). Multidisciplinary utilization of dimethyl sulfoxide: pharmacological, cellular, and molecular aspects. Biochemical Pharmacology, 65(7), 1035–1041.
This article reviews DMSO’s diverse pharmacological properties, including its capacity to modify membrane permeability and enhance the solubility and delivery of various compounds.
At Covalent, we specialize in developing and manufacturing custom cannabinoid and nutraceutical products, including topicals that offer enhanced bioavailability. Our cGMP-compliant manufacturing ensures that each product is made to the highest standards of safety and quality.
If you’re looking to create a cutting-edge topical product with DMSO and other bioavailability-boosting compounds, Covalent can help. Our team works with you to develop personalized formulations that meet your specific needs and bring them to market quickly and efficiently.
Ready to create your next big product? Contact us today to learn more about our custom formulation services.
About Rich Weisner
My goal is to help businesses scale and succeed by offering personalized support, industry knowledge, and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to bring your product ideas to life!
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