Ethoxydiglycol
Solvent and penetration enhancer. Helps actives (e.g. vitamins and retinoids) penetrate; may irritate sensitive skin at high concentrations.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry
About this ingredient
Ethoxydiglycol (DEGEE, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) is a synthetic solvent and penetration enhancer. It dissolves both oil- and water-soluble actives in a single phase and eases their passage through the stratum corneum. Where applied. Serums with vitamins and retinoids, depigmenting agents, hair sprays, perfumes. Often found in niche serums with L-ascorbic acid (helps solubilize it) and in hydroquinone formulas (prescription-only in the US and many EU countries). Evidence base. The CIR Final Report 2002 reviewed DEGEE based on penetration data: 1-5% raises transdermal active delivery 1.5-3 fold without major increase in irritation. SCCS 2017 confirmed safety at up to 10% in leave-on and up to 30% in rinse-off products, with pure raw materials (no ethylene glycol contamination). Safety. At high concentrations (>15%) patients with sensitive skin may experience stinging and irritation. Non-comedogenic. Does not photosensitize. In barrier-impaired skin (atopy, eczema, post-procedure) – active delivery rises; sometimes useful, sometimes triggers intolerance. Pregnancy and lactation – safe at cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through intact skin is low.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethoxydiglycol safe during pregnancy?
Ethoxydiglycol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ethoxydiglycol for?
Ethoxydiglycol suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Can Ethoxydiglycol irritate the skin?
Ethoxydiglycol has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Ethoxydiglycol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Solvent and penetration enhancer.
What's the INCI name for Ethoxydiglycol?
The INCI name is Ethoxydiglycol. It may also appear as: DEGEE, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether.
See Ethoxydiglycol in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl, Octyldodecanol, Polysorbate 20, Stearyl Alcohol, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone
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