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Ethylene Glycol
AKA “2-butyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane, EINECS 278-963-3, 1, 4-Dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane, 2-butyl-, 2-Butyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro(4.4)nonane, 4-Dioxaspiro(4.4)nonane, DTXSID30888550, RefChem:220748, DTXCID601027827, 4-Dioxaspiro4.4nonane, 278-963-3”
Ingredient
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Ingredient Facts
Ethylene glycol
AKA: 2-butyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane, EINECS 278-963-3, 1, 4-Dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane, 2-butyl-, 2-Butyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro(4.4)nonane, 4-Dioxaspiro(4.4)nonane, DTXSID30888550, RefChem:220748, DTXCID601027827, 4-Dioxaspiro4.4nonane, 278-963-3
Ingredient · Perfuming · EWG: 6
Synthetic
Fragrance
Not Clean
2-Butyl-1,4-dioxaspiro(4.4)nonane; 1,2,O-2-(tert-Butyl)ethyleneglycol
Formula
C11H20O2
Mol. Weight
184.27
CAS #
78649-62-4
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Adds Fragrance
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
First synthesized in 1859; became widely produced industrially in the 20th century. Adopted in cosmetics as a humectant and solvent, particularly in anti-freeze and moisture-retention skincare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
6
CIR
Reviewed by CIR
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
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Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
→
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
→
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
→
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
→
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
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Amended safety assessment of formaldehyde and methylene glycol as used in cosmetics.
Boyer IJ, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2013
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The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
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The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
→
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
→
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
→
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
→
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
→
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
→
Amended Safety Assessment of Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
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Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Amended Safety Assessment of Triethylene Glycol and Polyethylene glycols (PEGs)-4, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, -14, -16, -18, -20, -32, -33, -
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
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Final Report on the Safety Assessment of PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)-2, -4, -6, -8, -12, -20, -32, -75 and -150 Dilaurate; PEG-2, -4, -6, -8, -9, -10, -12, -14, -20, -32, -75, -150, and -200 Laurate; an
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) -6, -8, -32, -75, -150, -14M, -20M
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
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Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
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Special Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Ethylene Glycol and its Ethers
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
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Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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Diethylene Glycol Diisononanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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Diethylene Glycol/DMAP Acrylamide/PEG-180/HDI Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Methylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Triethylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Ethylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Triethylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
→
Diethylene glycol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Methylene Glycol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
→
Efficacy of an emollient containing diethylene glycol/dilinoleic acid copolymer for the treatment of dry skin and pruritus in patients with senile xer
Izumi R, Negi O, Suzuki T, Tominaga M, Kamo A et al.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2017
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Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
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Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
→
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
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Permeation Enhancer in Microemulsions and Microemulsion-Based Gels: A Comparison of Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether and Oleyl Alcohol.
Pandey S, Baki G
Gels (Basel, Switzerland), 2025
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Pd/C-Catalyzed Efficient and Selective Synthesis of Glycolic Acid from Ethylene Glycol.
Schmoll A, Huo YW, Shao S, Wu XF
ChemSusChem, 2025
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Immediate Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbates: More Common Than We Have Recognized.
Stone CA Jr, Liu Y, Relling MV, Krantz MS, Pratt AL et al.
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 2019
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR