murphyMethyl Gluceth-20
molecular structure · PubChem
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
OriginSynthesized from glucose and ethylene oxide, belonging to the polyethylene glycol ether family of compounds. Produced through ethoxylation of methyl glucoside, a process adding ethylene oxide units to create the polyether chain.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1)
Formula
C15H30O10
Mol. Weight
370.39
CAS #
68239-42-9
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 617)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 617)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.2–10%
Rinse-off0.04–15%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR