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Ethoxydiglycol

Diethylene glycol and ethanol ether - a multifunctional solvent and permeability enhancer for actives. Improves the solubility of lipophilic components in aqueous formulas and accelerates the penetration of actives into the skin. Trade name: Transcutol®.

SolventTranscutolPermeability enhancerLipophilic solvent

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Ethoxydiglycol (INCI: Ethoxydiglycol) - Transcutol HP - monomethyl ether of diethylene glycol. Molecular weight ~134 Da. Miscible with water, alcohol, and most solvents. Selective penetration into SC (stratum corneum) without excessive damage to the barrier. Functions: 1) Solvent for lipophilic actives in aqueous bases; 2) Permeability enhancer through the stratum corneum; 3) Humectant (weak effect due to ether nature); 4) Cryoprotectant; 5) Carrier for pharmaceutical actives. Difference from simple glycols: ether bond → less volatile, better transport of actives.

Products with lipophilic actives (retinol, vitamin E, beta-carotene), enhanced peptide serums, pharmaceutical transport systems, formulas to reduce alcohol content.

Key Benefits

✦

Dissolving lipophilic actives in aqueous formulas

Ethoxydiglycol is one of the most effective solvents for lipophilic actives (retinol, carotenoids, vitamin E, essential oils) in aqueous or weakly alcoholic formulas. Allows significant amounts of fat-soluble actives to be introduced into toners, essences, and clear serums. Compared to glycerin or propanediol: significantly better solvent for non-polar molecules.

◈

Enhancement of active permeability (Transcutol®)

Ethoxydiglycol (Transcutol HP) - a registered pharmaceutical carrier. Mechanism: interacts with the lipids of the stratum corneum (SC), increasing their mobility → temporarily increases permeability. Result: actives in the presence of ethoxydiglycol penetrate deeper and faster. Clinical data from Gattefossé: increased penetration of caffeine and salicylic acid by 2–5× with the addition of 5–10% Transcutol HP.

✧

Reduction of alcohol content in formulas

Traditionally, lipophilic actives were dissolved in alcohol (ethanol). Ethoxydiglycol allows for the replacement of part or all of the alcohol in formulas with lipophilic actives. Advantages: less irritating formula for sensitive skin, less drying, better tolerated. Especially relevant for "alcohol-free" positioning of products with retinol or vitamin E.

Suitable for

All skin typesFormulas with lipophilic activesSensitive skin (as a replacement for alcohol)

Main Actions

✓ Dissolving lipophilic actives✓ Enhancement of active permeability✓ Replacement of alcohol in formulas

Transcutol HP vs Transcutol P

Transcutol HP: INCI Ethoxydiglycol, pharmaceutical purity (>99.9%). Transcutol P: cosmetic quality. Functionally identical for cosmetics. In INCI: 'Ethoxydiglycol' or 'Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether'. Safety: CIR safe in cosmetic concentrations (up to 25%). Do not confuse with DEG (diethylene glycol) without an ether group - that one is toxic. Ethoxydiglycol (Transcutol) is safe and widely used in pharmaceuticals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ethoxydiglycol do for skin?

Products with lipophilic actives (retinol, vitamin E, beta-carotene), enhanced peptide serums, pharmaceutical transport systems, formulas to reduce alcohol content.

Who should use Ethoxydiglycol?

Ethoxydiglycol is suitable for: All skin types, Formulas with lipophilic actives, Sensitive skin (as a replacement for alcohol).

Are there any warnings about Ethoxydiglycol?

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