PEG-3 Methyl Ether
AKA “TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHER, 2-(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol, Methoxytriglycol, Methyltrioxitol, Dowanol TMAT, Methoxytriethylene glycol, 9-Trioxa-1-decanol, Methyl triethylene glycol”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Peg-3 methyl ether
AKA: TRIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOMETHYL ETHER, 2-(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol, Methoxytriglycol, Methyltrioxitol, Dowanol TMAT, Methoxytriethylene glycol, 9-Trioxa-1-decanol, Methyl triethylene glycol
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Emollient
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight humectant that draws moisture into skin and helps formulas blend smoothly. Keeps products feeling silky and hydrated.
Solubility In water, miscible
Formula
C7H16O4
Mol. Weight
164.20
CAS #
9004-74-4
Form
Liquid
State
Triethylene glycol methyl ether is a colorless odorless liquid. (USCG, 1999)
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic polyethylene glycol derivative developed in the mid-20th century. Formulated as a solvent and humectant to help retain moisture and improve product consistency.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR