Dimethyl Carbonate
AKA “616-38-6, Methyl carbonate, Carbonic acid, dimethyl ester, Methyl carbonate ((MeO)2CO), NSC 9371, KE9J097SPN, DTXSID9029192, AI3-14705, NSC-9371”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Dimethyl carbonate
AKA: 616-38-6, Carbonic acid, Dimethyl ester, Methyl carbonate ((MeO)2CO), NSC 9371, KE9J097SPN, DTXSID9029192, AI3-14705, NSC-9371
Ingredient · Propellant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
Dimethyl carbonate is a carbonate ester that is carbonic acid in which both hydrogens are replaced by methyl groups. A flammable, colourless liquid (m.p. 2-4C, b.p. 90C) with a characterstic ester-like odour, it is used as a 'green' methylating agent and as a solvent. It has a role as a reagent and a solvent.
Solubility Miscible with alcohol and ether
Formula
C3H6O3
Mol. Weight
90.08
CAS #
616-38-6
Form
Powder
State
Dimethyl carbonate appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals and as a specia
See origin →
Functions
Propellant
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Antimicrobial
Provides scent
Propels product from container
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic organic carbonate ester developed as a solvent and preservative booster in cosmetic formulations in the late 20th century.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 99.9%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 723).
Regulatory Agencies
RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, pentanedioic acid, 1,5-dimethyl ester, CAS Registry Number 1119-40-0.
Api AM, Belsito D, Botelho D, Browne D, Bruze M et al.
Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2018
Dimethyl Carbonate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
O-Alkyldithiocarbonic acids, salts of
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon dioxide over CeO2(X)-ZnO(1-X) nano-catalysts.
Kang KH, Joe W, Lee CH, Kim M, Kim DB et al.
Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology, 2013
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR