Diethelyene Glycol

CAS Number:

111-46-6  (Note: CAS 67-63-0 listed in some searches belongs to Isopropyl Alcohol)

INCI/Chemical Name:

Diethylene Glycol

Molecular Formula:

C4H10O3

Molecular Weight:

106.12 g/mol

Uses:

DEG is primarily an industrial chemical with a wide range of applications .

· Chemical Production: Used in manufacturing unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers.

· Solvent: Serves as a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, oils, and in applications like printing inks and textile processing .

· Specialty Applications: Functions as a humectant (moisturizer) for products like tobacco and glue, and as a dehydrating agent for natural gas . It is also a component in brake fluids, lubricants, and antifreeze formulations .

Important Note on Personal Care Use: Pure Diethylene Glycol is not a common ingredient in modern cosmetics due to its toxicity. A chemically related compound, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (INCI: Ethoxydiglycol), is used as a solvent and penetration enhancer but is subject to restrictions in the EU and UK .

Origin:

DEG is a synthetic compound. It is produced industrially as a co-product during the manufacture of ethylene glycol (MEG), via the partial hydrolysis of ethylene oxide .

What does Diethylene Glycol do in a formulation?

In formulations where it is used, its primary technical functions include acting as a solvent, humectant, and viscosity-controlling agent

  Safety Profile:

· Toxicity: DEG is toxic to humans and can cause kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, and death if ingested, even in relatively small amounts . It has been responsible for multiple fatal poisoning epidemics historically when mistakenly used in medicines and consumables .

· Regulatory Status: Its use is severely restricted in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Regulations typically allow only trace amounts (e.g., <0.2%) as an impurity in other ingredients like polyethylene glycol . It is not an ingredient for routine cosmetic formulation.

· Hazards: It is combustible and can be a mild skin and eye irritant.

Technical profile:

Summary:

Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an industrial solvent and chemical intermediate with significant human toxicity. Its direct use in personal care is highly uncommon and regulated due to safety risks.