Ethoxydiglycol

Good

Solvent

No known benefits

Ethoxydiglycol at a glance

  • Solvent that helps improve the penetration of other key ingredients in a skin care formula
  • Popular in self-tanning products due to the way it minimises streaks
  • Found in all kinds of personal care products, including deodorants and hair dyes
  • Also goes by “diethylene glycol monoethyl ether” or the trademark name “Transcutol®”
  • As a raw material it appears as a clear liquid and is water soluble

Ethoxydiglycol description

Ethoxydiglycol is considered a safe, well-tolerated synthetic solvent that helps improve the function, penetration, and texture of skin care products. It’s particularly popular in sunless tanning products due to the way it facilitates smooth spreading and minimises streaking. It can also be found in numerous other personal care products ranging from skin care serums to hair dyes. When used in skin care products, it is known to help key ingredients absorb more effectively. Ethoxydiglycol also goes by the name diethylene glycol monoethyl ether and is marketed under the trademarked ingredient name Transcutol®. As a raw material it appears as a clear liquid and is water soluble. In 2013, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that the use of ethoxydiglycol does not pose a risk in leave-on cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 2.6% “taking into account the other uses previously assessed (10% in rinse-off products, 7.0% in oxidative and 5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulation).”

Ethoxydiglycol references

  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed May 2021, ePublication
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, October 2014, pages 40-50
  • European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, September 2014, pages 28-33
  • Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, June 2013, pages 1-53
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2011, pages 324-329
  • Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, December 2010, pages 541-548

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.