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InventoryRef 9627615/07/2020

METHOXYETHANOL

Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Ethanol, 2-Methoxy- Ethylene glycol methyl ether Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether

METHOXYETHANOL is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page. Inventory note: II/665 CMR1b (Reprotoxic 1B).

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Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Prohibited entry found
Open this evidence		1English and EU languages
Great BritainEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English
CanadaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and French
New ZealandEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English
ASEANEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English and national languages
ChinaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 109-86-4
CAS 109-86-4PubChem CID 8019

2-Methoxyethanol

2-methoxyethanol is a hydroxyether that is ethanol substituted by a methoxy group at position 2. It has a role as a solvent and a protic solvent. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
2-methoxyethanol
Molecular formula
C3H8O2
Molecular weight
76.09 g/mol
Exact mass
76.052429494 Da
XLogP3
-0.8
Topological polar surface area
29.5 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Methyl cellosolveEthylene glycol monomethyl etherEthanol, 2-methoxy-Methyl oxitol2-Methoxy-1-ethanolDowanol EMMethylglykolEGME
16 more reported names
Methoxyhydroxyethane3-Oxa-1-butanolMonomethyl glycolGlycol ether EMPristGlycol monomethyl ether1-Hydroxy-2-methoxyethaneJeffersol EMMECSMetil cellosolve2-MetossietanoloAmsco-Solv EE2-Methoxy-aethanolMethylcelosolvmethylcellosolveMetoksyetylowy alkohol
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8019

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • 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
  • ERG2024, Guide 127 (Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H360FD: May damage fertility; May damage the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P318, P321, P330, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, 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: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226 (97%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H302+H312+H332 (41.2%): Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]; H302 (96.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312 (97%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332 (94.5%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H360 (93.8%): May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370 (10.6%): Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373 (14.1%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, 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 1202 reports by companies from 34 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; 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: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child [Danger Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P308+P316, P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 2-Methoxyethanol (2-ME) is a colorless liquid with ether-like odor. It is used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, natural and synthetic resins, some alcohol-soluble dyes; in nail polishes, quick-drying varnishes and enamels, and wood stains. It is also used as a as a jet fuel de-icer. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract and may cause effects on the central nervous system, blood, bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Exposure at high levels could cause unconsciousness. The liquid defats the skin. Two non-fatal cases of poisoning by consuming 100 mL 2-ME in men aged 41 and 23 were reported. In addition to agitation and confusion, the predominant clinical features were nausea, cyanosis, hyperventilation, slight tachycardia, and metabolic acidosis. In one patient there were suggestions of moderate kidney failure. No evidence of liver damage was found and both patients recovered within 4 weeks. Chronic poisonings from vapors lead to toxic encephalopathy and evidence of bone marrow depression without hemolysis. Lung, kidney and liver changes have been observed. It was found that individuals exposed in utero Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for 2-methyoxyethanol(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.77(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 log Kow of -0.77(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methoxyethanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-methoxyethanol from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an environmental fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(4). The potential for volatilization of 2-methoxyethanol from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.5 mm Hg(5). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 83% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(6) indicating 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 log Kow of -0.77(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that 2-methoxyethanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may occur(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 97 days and 700 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 83% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(7) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). 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), 2-methoxyethanol, which has a vapor pressure of 9.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-methoxyethanol 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 31 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.25X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). 2-Methoxyethanol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Solvent; Absorbent; Humectant; Fuel agents; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: 2-Methoxyethanol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent for many different purposes, (e.g., varnishes, dyes, and resins) and as a jet deicing additive; [ACGIH] Used in the Asian microelectronics industry in photoresist formulations and in manufacturing copper-laminate circuit boards; [JOEM 2004;46:707-713] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For 2-methoxyethanol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 042202) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered products ... "cancelled." Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Solvent for nitrocellulose, ... solvent mixtures, lacquers, ... perfume fixative, ... jet fuel deicing additive. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Solvent for low viscosity cellulose acetate, natural resins, some synthetic resins and some alc-sol dyes; in dyeing leather; sealing moisture-proof cellophane; in nail polishes, quick drying varnishes and enamels, wood stains. In modified Karl Fischer reagent. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for 2-METHOXYETHANOL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Methyl cellosolve, is a clear and colorless liquid at room temperature mainly used as a solvent. It is used for many purposes including varnishes, dyes, resins, printing, finishing textile, and semiconductor manufacturing. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

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
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

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.

Inventory details for METHOXYETHANOL

INCI name

METHOXYETHANOL

Description

Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether
Ethanol, 2-Methoxy-
Ethylene glycol methyl ether
Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether

Record provenance

Inventory reference
96276
Imported identity
METHOXYETHANOL
Source update
15/07/2020
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

CAS
109-86-4
EC
203-713-7
Restriction
II/665 CMR1b (Reprotoxic 1B)
Function
SOLVENT
Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

#16425 · METHOXYETHANOL

The EU inventory lists this INCI name under another reference number as well. The entries are separate records and their data can differ, so check both before treating either as the whole picture.

Entry 84967 15/10/2010

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

METHOXY PEG-40HUMECTANT, SOLVENT
METHOXY PEG-7HUMECTANT, SOLVENT
METHOXYCYCLOHEXENONE ETHYLHEXYL GLYCINATEANTIOXIDANT; SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT; SOLVENT; LIGHT STABILIZER; UV FILTER
METHOXYDIGLYCOLFRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
METHOXYETHANOL ACETATESOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
METHOXYISOPROPANOLPERFUMING, SOLVENT
METHOXYISOPROPYL ACETATESOLVENT
METHOXYMETHYLBUTANOLSOLVENT

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How METHOXYETHANOL appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists METHOXYETHANOL as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

METHOXYETHANOL is also tagged with 2 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

METHOXYETHANOL appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

The restriction field for METHOXYETHANOL reads: "II/665 CMR1b (Reprotoxic 1B)". This is the restriction note recorded in the CosIng inventory for this ingredient. For authoritative conditions and limits, always refer to the linked annex entries above.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, METHOXYETHANOL carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 109-86-4 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
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Source note for METHOXYETHANOL

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for METHOXYETHANOL with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research METHOXYETHANOL and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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