An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.
Isopentyldiol is a short chain of carbon atoms with a hydroxyl group on either end. Hydroxyl groups consist of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom, and these groups are highly hydrophilic, or water-loving.
As a result, isopentyldiol serves as a good humectant, which is a type of moisturizing ingredient that functions by attracting water to the surface of the skin from deeper layers of the skin or from the environment.
Isopentyldiol also functions as a solvent, as it is capable of dissolving in water and dissolving polar oils. Normally, water and oils are incompatible, but when combined with isopentyldiol, they can coexist to an extent.