My first question was the following one, i translated from french to to english :
Let's talk a little about chemistry. I'm referring to mixing two or three substances together, and my question is quite general. When you mix two substances, you can sometimes get one or more reactions, you can create a new substance, it can produce heat, or the opposite. Anyway, I suppose there's a whole lot of chemistry jargon behind all this.
First, a general question: when you mix two substances together and no noticeable reaction occurs, is there a name for this? Are the different types of possible reactions categorised? Or any other information you could give me on this subject.
Answer :
When you mix two substances and no notable reaction is observed, it usually means the substances are inert with respect to each other, or that you're simply dealing with a physical mixture (as opposed to a chemical reaction). In chemistry, a physical mixture means the components keep their individual properties without forming any new chemical compounds. For example, if you mix salt and pepper, there is no reaction; it's just a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture with no molecular transformation. People also sometimes talk about chemical compatibility when two substances do not react with each other, which is important in industry or pharmacy to avoid unwanted interactions. If no heat, gas, precipitate, or color change appears, that's a clear sign of no reaction.Yes, the different types of chemical reactions are well categorized in chemistry. These categories help predict and understand what happens at the molecular level. Here’s an overview of the main categories of reactions, with simple examples to illustrate (I’m limiting myself to mixtures of 2–3 substances as you mentioned). I’m using a table for clarity:
| Type of reaction | Description | Example | Typical observations |
|---|
| Synthesis (combination) | Two or more substances combine to form a new compound | Iron + Sulfur → Iron sulfide | Heat released, new solid formed |
| Decomposition | One substance breaks down into two or more simpler ones | Water → Hydrogen + Oxygen (with electrolysis) | Gas produced, bubbles |
| Single displacement | One element replaces another in a compound | Zinc + Hydrochloric acid → Zinc chloride + Hydrogen | Gas (hydrogen) released, effervescence |
| Double displacement (metathesis) | Two compounds exchange ions or groups | Sodium chloride + Silver nitrate → Silver chloride + Sodium nitrate | White precipitate (silver chloride) |
| Combustion | Rapid reaction with oxygen, usually very exothermic | Methane + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water | Flame, intense heat, gases |
| Redox (oxidation-reduction) | Transfer of electrons between substances (often overlaps other types) | Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium oxide | Bright light, heat |
| Acid-base (neutralization) | An acid and a base react to form water and a salt | Hydrochloric acid + Sodium hydroxide → Water + Sodium chloride | Heat released, neutral pH |
These categories are not exhaustive; there are others such as addition reactions, elimination reactions (in organic chemistry), or catalytic reactions. Reactions can also be classified by their energetics:
- Exothermic: Release heat (like combustion)
- Endothermic: Absorb heat (like the dissolution of some salts in water, which cools the mixture)
Other useful info:
- Factors influencing reactions: Temperature, pressure, concentration, presence of catalysts, or even light can trigger or speed up a reaction. For example, two substances that are inert at room temperature might react if heated.
- Physical change vs. chemical change: If the mixture doesn’t change the chemical composition (e.g., dissolution without reaction), it’s physical. If new chemical bonds are formed, it’s chemical.
- Safety note: In practice, even for simple experiments, always check compatibility to avoid dangers (explosions, toxic gases). Chemical compatibility charts exist for this purpose.
- Key terms: “Reactants” (initial substances), “products” (substances formed), “chemical equilibrium” (when the reaction goes both ways), “catalyst” (speeds up the reaction without being consumed).
Then i asked :
A first mix : mixing ivermectine with pure DMSO. Apparently, ivermectin dissolves in DMSO, and that's all i can say so far. What do you "have" about ?
When mixing ivermectin with pure DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), what you observe — that ivermectin simply dissolves and that's about it — is exactly what the scientific literature describes in the vast majority of cases.
What happens chemically?
- It's a physical dissolution, not a chemical reaction. Ivermectin is a large, lipophilic (fat-loving) molecule that's practically insoluble in water but highly soluble in many organic solvents, including DMSO, ethanol, DMF, etc.
Suppliers of research-grade ivermectin (like Cayman Chemical, Cell Signaling Technology, R&D Systems, Selleck Chemicals) routinely recommend dissolving it in pure DMSO to make stock solutions (often 10–50 mM concentrations). These are standard procedures in labs for cell culture, in vitro studies, parasitology research, etc.
- No notable chemical reaction, heat release, gas production, color change, precipitation, or degradation is reported under normal conditions (room temperature, protected from light/air). DMSO is chemically quite stable and acts here as an excellent solvent without reacting with ivermectin.
In terms of the categories we discussed earlier: this is a physical mixture (dissolution), not a chemical reaction. The two substances are chemically compatible and inert toward each other in this context.
Practical observations and uses
- Solubility → Very good in pure DMSO (tens of mg/mL easily achievable). This is why DMSO is the go-to solvent for preparing ivermectin solutions in research.
- Stability → Stock solutions in DMSO are considered stable for months when stored properly (cool, dark, dry, often under inert gas). Many protocols mention using them refrigerated or frozen.
- Common applications → This combination appears frequently in:
- Laboratory studies (antiviral, anticancer, antiparasitic testing in cells)
- Some topical/transdermal research (DMSO is a powerful penetration enhancer → it can carry ivermectin through skin much better than many other solvents)
- Animal/insect studies (e.g., mixing for feeding or topical application to mosquitoes, lice, etc.)
Important safety notes
Even though the mixture itself is stable and non-reactive:
- DMSO is a very strong solvent that rapidly penetrates skin and can carry anything dissolved in it (including impurities, toxins, or the ivermectin itself) deep into tissues and bloodstream. Pure pharmaceutical-grade DMSO is required if any skin contact is considered — industrial grades can contain harmful contaminants.
- Ivermectin itself has low systemic toxicity in humans at approved doses, but high concentrations + enhanced absorption via DMSO could theoretically lead to higher blood levels (and potential side effects like neurological symptoms in overdose scenarios).
- This is not an approved medical formulation for humans. Official ivermectin products (oral tablets, topical creams like Soolantra) never use pure DMSO as the vehicle. Any DIY use carries risks and is strongly discouraged without medical supervision.
In short: yes, ivermectin dissolves nicely and cleanly in pure DMSO with no drama — it's a classic, well-documented physical dissolution with no chemical fireworks. If you're doing this for legitimate lab/research purposes, it's standard practice. For anything else… proceed with extreme caution and preferably don't
Then i asked :
Now, mix this with coconut oil (warmed enough to become liquid), do you have any concern or comment about ?
Adding warmed liquid coconut oil (virgin or fractionated, like MCT oil) to your ivermectin-DMSO solution is a common DIY approach people explore for topical applications, often to make a more spreadable, moisturizing mixture (since pure DMSO can dry out or irritate the skin over time).What happens chemically/physically?
- Still mostly a physical mixture — no dramatic chemical reaction occurs. Ivermectin remains dissolved (it's lipophilic and has documented solubility in various natural oils, including coconut oil and related MCTs, though typically lower than in DMSO). DMSO mixes reasonably well with coconut oil (they're both polar-ish and often blended in topical recipes), forming a homogeneous liquid or semi-solid when cooled.
- The result is usually a clear-to-slightly-opaque oily solution/gel, depending on ratios and temperature. Coconut oil solidifies below ~24°C (75°F), so the final mix might thicken or become semi-solid at room temp — that's normal and often desirable for creams/ointments.
- No heat/gas/precipitate expected under normal conditions (room temp mixing, no extreme pH or catalysts). It's inert in terms of the reaction categories we discussed — just enhanced solubility and a carrier change.
Main comments and concerns
- Enhanced skin penetration — This is the big one. DMSO is already a powerful transdermal carrier, and combining it with an oil like coconut oil doesn't reduce that — it might even make the mixture more occlusive (trapping moisture and prolonging contact). So, whatever ivermectin (and any impurities) is in there will absorb systemically much more efficiently than standard topical ivermectin creams (like Soolantra, which uses different vehicles and much lower concentrations).
- Potential upside (in theory/research contexts): Better delivery for skin parasites (e.g., scabies, Demodex) or localized issues.
- Downside: Risk of higher blood levels → possible side effects (nausea, dizziness, neurological symptoms in high doses). Ivermectin has a wide safety margin, but enhanced absorption changes the game.
- Skin irritation potential — Pure DMSO often causes temporary warmth, itching, or dryness. Coconut oil is soothing/moisturizing (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties from lauric acid), so many people add it specifically to counteract DMSO's drying effect. Common ratios in anecdotal reports are 50-70% DMSO + 30-50% coconut oil (or start lower, like 20-30% DMSO). Test on a small patch first!
- Stability and purity —
- The mix should be fairly stable short-term (weeks to months if stored cool/dark/in glass). Long-term, oxidation of coconut oil could occur, but it's not a big issue.
- Critical: Use pharmaceutical-grade (99.9%+) DMSO — industrial grades can carry toxins. Virgin organic coconut oil is fine, but ensure everything is clean/contaminant-free (DMSO will transport impurities deeply).
- Not medical / approved — No official human pharmaceutical uses this exact combo. Some vet studies mix ivermectin/DMSO with oils (e.g., mineral oil for ear treatments in cattle), and research on topical ivermectin uses various oils/microemulsions, but human formulations avoid high DMSO for safety reasons. This is experimental territory.
Bottom line: Chemically safe and non-reactive — it's a popular combo in alternative/DIY circles for making a gentler, more emollient topical (often to offset DMSO irritation). The primary concerns are absorption boost (good or bad depending on intent) and ensuring ultra-pure ingredients to avoid carrying junk into your body. Start very dilute, patch test extensively, and if this is for anything health-related, talk to a knowledgeable professional first.
(Note that i let the usual warnings that grok can't help to add in his answers)
Then I asked :
ok, last element to add is beeswax, it's optional, but it helps to have a thicker substance which better hold on the skin. Final objective is to have a kind of cream-like substance. Any concern about ?
Adding beeswax (typically 5–20% by weight in homemade balms/creams) to your ivermectin + DMSO + warmed coconut oil mixture is a classic way to thicken it into a proper cream-like or balm-like substance. Beeswax acts as a natural emulsifier and thickener: when melted and cooled, it helps the oil phase solidify at room temperature, improving spreadability, adhesion to skin, and occlusion (which can enhance penetration but also trap moisture).What happens chemically/physically?
- No significant chemical reaction — Beeswax is chemically inert under these conditions. It's a mixture of long-chain esters, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids, stable and non-reactive with DMSO, ivermectin, or coconut oil at typical mixing temperatures (around 60–70°C to melt everything).
- Beeswax has limited solubility in pure DMSO (it's sparingly soluble or insoluble at room temp, better when heated), but it dissolves/melts well in the warm coconut oil (which is a great carrier for waxes). The final mix is a physical blend: DMSO carries the ivermectin, coconut oil dissolves the beeswax, and everything homogenizes when hot, then sets to a semi-solid when cooled.
- Result: A thicker, more stable cream/balm that holds better on skin (less runny than oil-only), with good spreadability. Many DIY topical recipes (including some for pain relief, anti-inflammatory, or skin applications) use exactly this combo: DMSO + carrier oil + beeswax.
Main comments and concerns
- Compatibility & stability — Excellent overall. The mixture should remain stable for weeks to months if stored cool/dark/in an airtight glass jar. Beeswax helps prevent separation over time. No reports of degradation, precipitation, or unwanted reactions in similar homemade formulations.
- Skin feel and application —
- Beeswax makes it less irritating than high-DMSO oil mixes (reduces the drying/stinging from DMSO by providing more emollience).
- It creates a protective barrier, which can prolong contact time and further boost transdermal absorption of ivermectin (already enhanced by DMSO). This is great for targeted skin use but increases systemic uptake risk.
- Enhanced absorption – the biggest ongoing concern — Same as before, but amplified:
- DMSO + oil + beeswax is a potent penetration-enhancing system (occlusive + carrier combo).
- Ivermectin will absorb more deeply/systemically than in standard creams (e.g., Soolantra uses no DMSO and lower concentrations for safety).
- Potential for side effects (dizziness, nausea, neuro symptoms) if over-applied or on large areas/broken skin. Start very low (e.g., 0.1–0.5% ivermectin final concentration) and patch-test extensively.
- Practical tips for making it:
- Melt beeswax + coconut oil first (double boiler, low heat ~65°C).
- Once liquid, stir in DMSO + pre-dissolved ivermectin (to avoid clumping).
- Pour into jars while warm; it will thicken as it cools.
- Use pharma-grade DMSO, food-grade/organic coconut oil, pure beeswax, and accurate ivermectin dosing.
- Ratios example (anecdotal/common): 30–50% DMSO, 30–50% coconut oil, 10–20% beeswax — adjust for desired thickness.
- Not approved/medical — This remains fully experimental/DIY. Official ivermectin topicals (for rosacea, lice, etc.) avoid high DMSO for controlled absorption. No clinical data supports this exact combo for safety/efficacy in humans.
Bottom line: Chemically safe, no fireworks or incompatibilities — beeswax is a smart, common addition for texture and hold. It turns your mix into a nice cream-like product without issues. The real concerns stay the same: ultra-pure ingredients + dramatically increased absorption + non-medical status. If this is for personal experimentation, go slow, monitor closely, and consult a pro if health-related.
Last question, or better say here a confirmation in order to be complete :
About the container and the tools used to create this mixture, as DMSO is used, do you confirm to avoid any metal or plastic thing but use glass + something to stir which is made of glass, or wood, or ?
Short answer: No need to strictly avoid all plastics or metals — but glass is the safest and most recommended for both mixing and storing your DMSO-based mixture (especially long-term).
- Container: Use glass (e.g., Pyrex beaker/jar, amber glass for storage) to minimize any risk of leaching/extraction. Many commercial DMSO products come in HDPE or polypropylene (PP) plastics, which are compatible for short-to-medium term, but glass is inert and preferred for purity.
- Stirring tool:
- Glass rod/stirrer → ideal (completely inert).
- Wood (clean, untreated) → safe for short mixing (no reaction, but can absorb some liquid).
- Avoid most plastics (especially PVC, polystyrene, polycarbonate — they can leach or degrade); HDPE/PP tools are usually ok for brief contact.
For your DIY cream, mix in a glass container with a glass rod — it's the cleanest, zero-risk option. If you use HDPE/PP briefly, it's generally fine, but glass wins for caution
