Ethoxydiglycol
Also known as Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, DEGEE, Carbitol, 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Ethoxydiglycol (Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, DEGEE; CAS 111-90-0; C6H14O3) is a glycol ether used in cosmetic formulations as a solvent and humectant, valued for its ability to dissolve both water-soluble and oil-soluble actives. It is chemically distinct from diethylene glycol (DEG, CAS 111-46-6), which is toxic — ethoxydiglycol is the ethyl ether of diethylene glycol and carries a different safety profile. The CIR Expert Panel assessed ethoxydiglycol together with butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol and concluded all four are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use (JACT 4(5):223-48, 1985; reaffirmed 2004; republished IJT 25(Suppl 2), 2006). The QRT row carries Finding=S with no conditions or concentration limits.
Effective solvent for both hydrophilic and lipophilic cosmetic actives, enabling stable formulation of ingredients with disparate solubility profiles
Humectant that contributes to moisture retention in skin-contact formulations
Low odor and good skin feel at typical cosmetic use concentrations
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used in cosmetics:223-48, 1985; reaffirmed 2004) — same assessment also clears butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol
Must not be confused with diethylene glycol (DEG, CAS 111-46-6), which is acutely toxic via oral route and was responsible for historical mass poisonings as a pharmaceutical adulterant — ethoxydiglycol is the ethyl ether form and has a distinct, well-characterized safety profile
As a glycol ether, ethoxydiglycol functions as a penetration enhancer and may increase the dermal absorption of co-formulated actives; this is relevant when formulating with potent or sensitizing actives
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) - Ethoxydiglycol row: Finding 'S' (Safe), Citation 'JACT 4(5):223-48, 1985 confirmed…
“Ethoxydiglycol | S | | JACT 4(5):223-48, 1985 confirmed 02/04 IJT 25(S2), 2006”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 48