What is dry ice?
What dry ice is, how cold it is, what it is used for, and why it is handled differently from ordinary ice.
Solid carbon dioxide
Dry ice is carbon dioxide (CO₂) in solid form. It sits at about -78.5°C, much colder than ordinary ice, and it doesn't melt into a liquid. It sublimates, going straight from solid to gas, which is why it leaves no liquid behind.
What it is used for
Dry ice keeps samples, kits, reagents and frozen food cold in transit, creates fog and mist effects at events, cools displays, and is used as pellets for dry ice blasting. See our industries page for what to order for each use.
Handle it with care
Dry ice causes cold burns on contact and the gas it gives off can build up in poorly ventilated spaces. Read our handling and storage guides before you order, and store it in an insulated container that can vent.