The Index · Solvent / penetration aid

Ethoxydiglycol

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether solvent that can aid delivery of actives.

FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources2 cited

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether solvent that can aid delivery of actives.

What it does

Used in The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc to help solubilize the system; not an active itself.

The evidence

Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Functional solvent; penetration-enhancement claims need formula-specific data. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.

What it does in the formula

Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether solvent that can aid delivery of actives.[1]

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Cosmetic solvent; monitor for irritation at higher leave-on levels.[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Alkoxyethanols. CIR (2013)regulator
[2]NIH PubChem. PubChem Compound Summary: Ethoxydiglycol. PubChem (2024)other

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk