Triethylene Glycol

AKA: 112-27-6, Triglycol, 2'-(Ethane-1, 2-diylbis(oxy))diethanol, 2'-Ethylenedioxydiethanol, Trigen, 2-[2-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol, Triethylenglykol, Triethyleneglycol, 1, 2-Bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethane
Synthetic
Fragrance
Not Clean
OriginTriethylene glycol is synthesized from ethylene oxide, a petrochemical derivative of ethylene gas. It is produced through sequential polymerization reactions linking ethylene oxide units together under catalytic conditions.
Triethylene glycol is a poly(ethylene glycol) that is octane-1,8-diol in which the carbon atoms at positions 3 and 6 have been replaced by oxygen atoms. It has a role as a plasticiser. It is a primary alcohol, a diol and a poly(ethylene glycol).
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H14O4
Mol. Weight
150.17
CAS #
112-27-6
Form
Powder
State
Triethylene glycol is a colorless liquid with a mild odor. Dense than water. (USCG, 1999)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Viscosity Controlling
Antioxidant
Moisturizing
Provides scent
Controls product thickness
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 351)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 351)
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR