Ethoxydiglycol
Also known as: 2-Ethoxyethanol, Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, Ethoxydiglycol
Overview
Ethoxydiglycol is a synthetic, small molecular weight solvent primarily utilized in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and topical formulations. It is not naturally derived and does not function as a dietary supplement active ingredient. Its main purpose is to enhance the solubility and penetration of other active compounds through the skin barrier. High purity pharmaceutical-grade ethoxydiglycol is a colorless, odorless liquid, miscible with water and many organic solvents. While it possesses good skin penetration properties, it is not an active therapeutic agent itself. Research on ethoxydiglycol predominantly focuses on its role as a solvent and permeation enhancer, with limited peer-reviewed clinical research specifically on its use or effects as a direct supplement ingredient. Most available data stems from safety and formulation studies.
Benefits
Ethoxydiglycol does not offer direct nutritional or therapeutic benefits as a supplement ingredient. Its primary functional role is to improve the delivery and bioavailability of other active compounds when applied topically, by increasing skin permeability. It acts as a solvent and transdermal permeation agent, facilitating the passage of active molecules through the skin barrier. There are no reported direct clinical effect sizes or population-specific benefits for ethoxydiglycol itself, as it is not used as a direct supplement. Its 'benefit' is solely in its capacity to enhance the efficacy of other ingredients in topical formulations.
How it works
Ethoxydiglycol functions primarily as a solvent and transdermal permeation agent. Its mechanism involves disrupting the lipid structure of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. This disruption facilitates the passage of active molecules through the skin barrier, thereby enhancing their absorption and bioavailability. While systemic absorption can occur when applied topically, ethoxydiglycol itself is pharmacologically inert and does not interact with specific biological pathways or molecular targets as a bioactive compound. Its interaction is primarily with the physical structure of the skin barrier.
Side effects
Pharmaceutical-grade ethoxydiglycol is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated when used in topical formulations at appropriate concentrations. No significant adverse events, common (>5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (<1%) side effects have been reported in reviewed studies for topical application. There are no known drug interactions as it is not pharmacologically active. Contraindications are not specifically noted for topical use, but caution is advised for formulations intended for inhalation due to potential respiratory concerns. Use in inhalable products is restricted due to this risk. Overall, its toxicity profile is low, and it is considered safe for its intended use in topical products.
Dosage
Ethoxydiglycol is not an active supplement ingredient, so there is no minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for direct consumption. In topical formulations, its concentration typically ranges from 5% to 50%, depending on the specific product and its intended purpose. There is no established maximum safe dose, as safety depends on the overall formulation and route of exposure. It is primarily used in topical creams, gels, and serums. It is crucial to avoid inhalable forms to mitigate respiratory risks. The purity of the ethoxydiglycol and the vehicle of the formulation significantly influence its skin absorption.
FAQs
Is Ethoxydiglycol a supplement or active ingredient?
No, Ethoxydiglycol is a synthetic solvent and carrier primarily used in topical products to enhance the delivery and absorption of other active ingredients through the skin.
Is Ethoxydiglycol safe for use?
Yes, pharmaceutical-grade Ethoxydiglycol is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used in topical applications at appropriate concentrations, with rare reported side effects.
Does Ethoxydiglycol have therapeutic effects?
No, Ethoxydiglycol itself does not possess direct therapeutic effects. Its role is to facilitate the absorption and enhance the efficacy of other active compounds in topical formulations.
Can Ethoxydiglycol cause side effects?
Side effects from topical application of Ethoxydiglycol are rare and not commonly reported. However, inhalable forms pose respiratory risks and should be avoided.
Is inhalation of Ethoxydiglycol safe?
No, inhalation of Ethoxydiglycol is not safe. Inhalable forms are restricted due to potential respiratory irritation and risks, and should be avoided.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33976376/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis on dietary supplements for weight loss did not include Ethoxydiglycol as an active compound, confirming the lack of evidence for its efficacy as a direct supplement ingredient. The study focused on other organic compounds, highlighting that Ethoxydiglycol is not considered a weight loss supplement.
- https://sambriapharma.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/product-safety.pdf – This review of technical and patent literature indicates that Ethoxydiglycol is safe and well-tolerated when used in high purity. It notes that up to 50% of applied Ethoxydiglycol can cross the skin barrier, effectively aiding the delivery of other active ingredients without causing adverse effects. The study's limitations include a lack of randomized controlled trials specifically on Ethoxydiglycol alone, with data primarily derived from formulation studies.
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702287-ETHOXYDIGLYCOL/ – The EWG Skin Deep assessment, based on compiled safety data and regulatory reviews, assigns Ethoxydiglycol a low risk for cancer, allergies, and reproductive toxicity. It highlights higher concern for use restrictions, mainly related to inhalation and potential contamination risks, rather than direct toxicity from topical application.
