Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III
Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
Chemical identity and properties

- IUPAC name
- 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethanol
- Molecular formula
- C4H10O3
- Molecular weight
- 106.12 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 106.062994177 Da
- XLogP3
- -1.3
- Topological polar surface area
- 49.7 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 2
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 3
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:46807
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL1235226
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID8020462
- PubMed:36087010
- PubMed:35385781
- PubMed:25622337
- PubMed:23827505
- PubMed:22954530
- PubMed:22606114
- PubMed:22247651
- PubMed:22016655
- PubMed:21935381
- PubMed:21856646
- PubMed:21804082
- PubMed:21730503
Evidence from additional scientific databases
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Autoignition Temperature: 444 °F (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Autoignition Temperature: 444 °F Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Autoignition Temperature: 229 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 473 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 245.8 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 245 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Color/Form: Colorless syrupy liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 1.118 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 1.1197 g/cu cm at 15 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Relative density (water = 1): 1.12 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: 1.12 @ 15°C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Flash Point: 290 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: 124 °C Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Flash Point: 280 to 290 °F (open cup) /from table/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 124 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- LogP: -1.47 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: 14 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: -10.4 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: -6.5 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Melting Point: -10.4 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Odor: Practically odorless Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Diethylene glycol appears as a colorless liquid. Denser than water. Contact may slightly irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be slightly toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: CBI; Liquid; Wet Solid; Liquid Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Very hygroscopic, colorless liquid; [Hawley] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: ODOURLESS COLOURLESS VISCOUS HYGROSCOPIC LIQUID. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Refractive Index: Index of refraction = 1.4472 at 20 °C/D Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: Immiscible with toluene, petroleum, linseed or castor oil Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Soluble in chloroform Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Miscible with alcohol, ether, acetone, ethylene glycol; practically insoluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water: miscible Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: less than 0.01 mmHg at 68 °F ; 0.01 mmHg at 86 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Vapor Pressure: 0.0057 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: VP: 1 mm Hg at 91.8 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: 5.7X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 2.7 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 0.0057 [mm Hg] @25 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Viscosity: 0.30 cP at 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Exposure Routes: The substance can be absorbed into the body by ingestion. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Signal: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 5754 reports by companies from 38 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P264, P270, P280, P318, P319, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Warning Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
- GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral] Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
- NFPA Health Rating: 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for diethylene glycol(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of -1.5(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that diethylene glycol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diethylene glycol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Diethylene glycol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 5.7X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Diethylene glycol was readily biodegraded in a sandy loam(5) suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that diethylene glycol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.0X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of -1.5(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Diethylene glycol was biodegraded partially from river water within 7 days at 20 °C, but under winter conditions of river flow and temperature (less than 8 °C) degradation was minimal(9). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diethylene glycol, which has a vapor pressure of 5.7X10-3 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethylene glycol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 17 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.0X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Diethylene glycol degraded 5.5% by light at a wavelength greater than 290 nm over a period of 17 hours(4) and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Hydraulic fluids; Plasticizer; Stabilizing agent; Catalyst; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Corrosion inhibitor; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Solvent; Anti-adhesive/cohesive; Anti-freeze agent; Other; Freeze-thaw additive; Lubricating agent; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Monomers; Fuel agents; Heat transferring agent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Fuel agents; Heat transferring agent; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Surfactant (surface active agent); Monomers; Wetting agent (non-aqueous); Other; CBI; Lubricating agent; Freeze-thaw additive; Solvent; Anti-freeze agent; Anti-adhesive/cohesive; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Emulsifier; Catalyst; Corrosion inhibitor; Filler; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Hydraulic fluids; Dehydrating agent (desiccant) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Sources/Uses: Used as a humectant (tobacco, casein, synthetic sponges, composition corks, glues, gelatin, and paper products), a dehydrating agent (plasticizers, surfactants, and natural gas), a lubricating and finishing agent (wool, worsted, cotton, rayon, and silk), a solvent for vat dyes, an intermediate (triethylene glycol and diethylene glycol dinitrate), a petroleum extraction solvent, and a monomer (unsaturated polyester resins and polyols for polyurethane); Also used in lacquers, cosmetics, antifreeze solutions for sprinkler systems; water seals for gas tanks, brake fluids, lubricants, mold release agents, and inks; [HSDB] Used mainly to produce unsaturated polyester resins, polyols, and polyurethanes; [Reference #1] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]; Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: Production of polyurethane and unsaturated polyester resins, triethylene glycol; textile softener; petroleum solvent extraction; dehydration of natural gas, plasticizers, and surfactants; solvent for nitrocellulose and many dyes and oils; humectant for tobacco, casein, synthetic sponges, paper products; cork compositions, bookbinding adhesives, dyeing assistant, cosmetics, antifreeze solutions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: In antifreeze soln for sprinkler systems; for water seals for gas tank; lubricating and finishing agent for wool, worsted, cotton, rayon and silk; solvent for vat dyes; in composition corks, glues, gelatin, casein, and pastes to prevent drying out. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Diethylene glycol is used in gas conditioning and in the permanent antifreeze formulations; as a constituent of brake fluids, lubricants, mold release agents, and inks; as a softening agent for textiles; as a plasticizer for cork, adhesives, paper, packaging materials, and coatings; as an intermediate in the prodn of explosive diethylene glycol dinitrate; and as an intermediate in the production of certain resins, morpholine, and diethylene glycol esters and ethers. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: In lacquer industry and in cosmetics Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for DIETHYLENE GLYCOL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Record details
Chemical name
Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III
Regulatory information
SCCS opinions
Identified ingredients
Key data
Inventory links for Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III
Related records for Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III
Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.
Polychloro copper phthalocyanine (Pigment Green 7; CI 74260) when used as a substance in hair dye p…
Phytonadione [INCI], phytomenadione [INN]
Disodium [29H,31H-phthalocyaninedisulphonato(4-)-N29,N30,N31,N32]cuprate(2-) (Direct Blue 86; CI 74…
2-aminophenol [1]; bis(2-hydroxyanilinium) sulfate [2]; 2-Aminophenol Hydrochloride [3]
(29H,31H-Phthalocyaninato(2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32)copper (Pigment Blue 15; CI 74160) when used as a sub…
N-(2-Niro-4-aminophenyl)-allylamine (HC Red No 16) and its salts
5,12-Dihydroquino[2,3-b]acridine-7,14-dione (Pigment Violet 19; CI 73900) when used as a substance …
Isopropyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Isopropylparaben) Sodium salt or Sats of Isopropylparaben
6-Chloro-2-(6-chloro-4-methyl-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene)-4-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-3(2H)-one…
Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (INCI: Isobutylparaben) /Sodium salt or Salts of Isobutylparaben
1,4-bis(p-Tolylamino)anthraquinone (Solvent Green 3; CI 61565) when used as a substance in hair dye…
What Annex II means for Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III
Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.
Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.
This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.
Compliance checklist
- Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
- Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
- Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
Frequently asked questions
Source note for Annex II record Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III
This page summarizes one Annex II record for Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.
Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.
Tools & next steps
Check your formula
Paste a full INCI list to detect Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III and other flagged EU annex records in one pass.
INCI CheckerCompare entries
Compare Diethylene glycol (DEG); 2,2'-oxydiethanol for traces level, see Annex III side by side with another annex record to review differences in restrictions, concentrations and annex placement.
CompareBrowse the annex
See all records in Annex II and compare regulatory conditions across substances in this annex.
Open Annex II