Is Diethylene glycol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Diethylene glycol is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Diethylene Glycol. CAS 111-46-6.
Is Diethylene glycol banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | toothpaste (contaminant), cosmetics (contaminant) |
| CAS number | 111-46-6 |
What is Diethylene glycol?
Diethylene glycol (Diethylene Glycol) is a toxic solvent and contaminant.
Why is Diethylene glycol used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Diethylene glycol dangerous? Documented risks
Acutely toxic; banned in EU cosmetics and a notorious adulterant.
Products that may contain Diethylene glycol
- toothpaste (contaminant)
- cosmetics (contaminant)
How to avoid Diethylene glycol: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Diethylene glycol
Is Diethylene glycol banned in the EU?
Diethylene glycol is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Diethylene glycol in US cosmetics?
Yes — Diethylene glycol can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Diethylene glycol?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Diethylene glycol automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Diethylene glycol?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Diethylene glycol.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Diethylene glycol or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.