@icedquinn I suppose that somewhat surprising at first. But given its ability to rapidly permeate cells, even the skin including a barrier of dead skin cells I guess it kinda makes sense. With dead skin cells it probably diffuses and slows it down slightly so by the time it reaches live skin cells it isnt doing much harm. But with concentrated DMSO directly in contact with live cells my guess is it absorbing into the cells to the point of destroying them as they do, atleast the top layer.

All just speculation. But I do suspect its related to its unique permiability.