Methyl Gluceth-20

AKA: 68239-42-9, 2-[[(2R, 6R)-3, 4, 5-tris(2-hydroxyethoxy)-6-methoxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]ethanol, Methyl 2, 3, 6-tetrakis-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)hexopyranoside
Synthetic
Humectant
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1)
Effective at 3.5%
Formula
C15H30O10
Mol. Weight
370.39
CAS #
68239-42-9
Form
Liquid
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Moisturising
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant developed for contemporary skincare products. Created to enhance moisture retention and improve the sensory feel of cosmetic formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Mild Irritant
Concentration Guide
1.0%
6.0%
0%8%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 1-5 | 2-6
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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