A simple glycol ether, listed as a solvent and fragrance ingredient and covered by EU Annex III and Annex II entries.
What it is
Diethylene glycol is 2,2'-oxydiethanol, a colourless liquid made of two ethylene glycol units joined by an ether bond, often abbreviated DEG. CosIng lists it as a fragrance, perfuming, solvent and viscosity-controlling ingredient. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) that concerns its presence as traces in ingredients, and the EU data also link it to an entry in Annex II (prohibited substances).
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for what the Annex II and Annex III entries cover and the applicable limits.
Functions
- Fragrance
- Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
- Solvent
- Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
- Perfuming
- Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.
EU regulation
- Product type
- As traces in ingredients
- Maximum concentration
- 0.1%
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
2 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- GORGIQUE – Instantly Wrinkles Remover Antioxidante Skin Lifting Wrinkles Cream (2021-12-02)
- V.B. DR. SAM – Hair color cream (2019-03-13)