Ethoxydiglycol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, 111-90-0, CARBITOL, Transcutol, Ethyl carbitol, Dioxitol, Ethoxy diglycol, Carbitol solvent
Synthetic
Humectant
Fragrance
Solvent
Not Clean
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H14O3
Mol. Weight
134.17
CAS #
111-90-0
Form
Liquid
State
Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether appears as a colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a mild pleasant odor. Flash point near 190 °F. Used to make soaps, dyes, and other chemicals.
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant and solvent created in the 20th century. Developed as an alternative to glycerin and propylene glycol, designed to absorb moisture and improve product texture in skincare formulations.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
2.6%
0%4%
Reg. Limit
SCCS maximum safe concentration: 2.6%. Product type: rinse-off, non-oxidative. Source: SCCS Opinion SCCS/1507/13.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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