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Moumoujus

ETHOXYDIGLYCOL.

Valuable CAS 111-90-0 / HUMECTANT, PERFUMING, SOLVENT

Ethoxydiglycol is a versatile solvent and penetration enhancer engineered to optimize the delivery and performance of active skincare ingredients. It efficiently solubilizes challenging compounds and improves their absorption into the skin, while also contributing to overall product stability and desirable texture.

Summary

Solvent Solubilizer Efficacy Booster Humectant Perfuming Agent Viscosity Decreasing Agent Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient primarily functions as an excellent solvent and carrier, significantly enhancing the solubility and uniform distribution of active compounds within a formulation. It improves skin penetration by temporarily modifying the stratum corneum barrier, thereby boosting the absorption of key actives such as vitamin C, DHA, and benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, Ethoxydiglycol acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture to support skin hydration, and can reduce product viscosity for smoother application and contribute to formulation stability.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–2.6%
Optimal

2%

Key findings

  1. 01 Optimal for enhancing ingredient delivery in serums and creams.
  2. 02 Enhances the absorption and efficacy of active ingredients like vitamin C, DHA, and benzoyl peroxide.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Ethoxydiglycol functions as a solvent and penetration enhancer, critical for formulation performance rather than a primary active ingredient. Its role necessitates sufficient concentration to be effective, making it less susceptible to being 'dusted' at negligible levels to mislead consumers about an active benefit.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Chemically stable under standard ambient conditions, Ethoxydiglycol is compatible with most emulsifiers and preservatives. It is hygroscopic and contributes to product stability and longevity.

Synergies

  • most emulsifiers
  • most preservatives

Conflicts

  • strong irritants (e.g., high-dose acids)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
2.6%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel considers Ethoxydiglycol safe for use up to 80% in the USA. However, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) limits its use in leave-on cosmetic formulations to 2.6% due to potential kidney damage concerns, with strict purity criteria requiring ethylene glycol impurity to be ≤ 0.1% in the EU. It is banned in eye and oral products in the EU/UK. The FDA permits its use in the USA. Generally, it exhibits low toxicity and mild irritation potential, typically only at concentrations exceeding 5%. Many sources identify it as non-irritating, non-penetrating, and non-comedogenic.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Ethoxydiglycol is a valuable formulation enhancer, optimizing the delivery of active ingredients and improving product stability across a wide range of cosmetic applications.

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