Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate
AKA: 2'-Oxydiethanol, 2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethanol, 2'-Oxybisethanol, Diglycol
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
Oxybis(2-hydroxyethyl), diesters with 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid and 2-ethylhexanoic acid
Formula
C4H10O3
Mol. Weight
106.12
CAS #
111-46-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Plasticiser
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester blend developed in the late 20th century as an emollient and carrier system for cosmetic ingredients. Designed to improve skin feel and product stability.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.1%
0%0%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.1%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 186.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR