murphyPEG-4
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: TETRAETHYLENE GLYCOL, 112-60-7, HI-Dry, 3, 6, 9-Trioxaundecane-1, 11-diol, Carbitol, Diethyl, 9-Trioxaundecan-1, Ethanol, AI3-01838
Synthetic
Humectant
Solvent
Clean
OriginProduced from ethylene oxide, a petrochemical compound derived from petroleum hydrocarbons. Synthesized through polymerization of ethylene oxide monomers via catalytic ring-opening reaction.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy- (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Solubility Miscible with water /1.0X10+6 mg/L/ at 20 °C
Formula
C8H18O5
Mol. Weight
194.23
CAS #
25322-68-3
Form
Liquid
State
Tetraethylene glycol is a colorless to straw-colored liquid with a mild odor. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
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.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
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
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 351)
Dermal Absorption 0.37–33.72%
4 lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 548)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR