Transcutol

Transcutol at a glance

Transcutol is the trade name of ethoxydiglycol, a clear liquid solvent supplied by Gattefossé, a French company with a long history in cosmetic and cosmetic excipients. Its INCI is Ethoxydiglycol. It mixes with water, glycols and many oils. It is used as a solvent and solubilizer in face and body creams and gels, cleansers, makeup removers, products for oily and problem-looking skin, clarifying products, hair care, hair colors, decorative cosmetics and deodorant products. Confirm the grade and dose on the certificate of analysis.

Why a solvent matters

Many popular cosmetic actives are hard to dissolve. Some are powders that form crystals in water, others are oil-loving molecules that separate in gels. When an active is not fully dissolved, it cannot spread evenly on the skin and may form visible particles. A good solvent keeps the active in solution and evenly distributed. Ethoxydiglycol is one of the most widely used solvents for this purpose.

Supporting active performance

Ethoxydiglycol is valued not only for dissolving actives but also for helping them spread into the upper layers of the skin. This is why it appears in many serums with brightening or clarifying actives. The effect depends on the full formula, so evaluate it in the finished product.

Formats

Serums and gels

Clear serums with hard-to-dissolve actives.

Creams and lotions

Emulsions where an active needs a solvent before it is added.

Clarifying products

Gels and toners for oily and problem-looking skin.

Hair care and colors

Shampoos, conditioners, styling products and hair colors.

Makeup and deodorants

Decorative cosmetics and deodorant products.

How to use it

Dissolve the hard-to-dissolve active in Transcutol first, stirring until the solution is clear, then add this premix to the water phase or the cooled emulsion. Gentle warming helps with some powders. Check the final product for crystals after storage in the cold.

Partners

Ethoxydiglycol is a classic solvent for brightening and clarifying actives. Beta-arbutin and azelaic acid in liposomes are typical partners in clear, even-tone serums. More concentrates are listed in the actives catalog.

Characteristics

INCI: Ethoxydiglycol. Supplier: Gattefossé. Form: clear liquid. Solubility: water, glycols, many oils. Role: solvent and solubilizer. Uses: creams, gels, cleansers, makeup removers, clarifying products, hair care, hair colors, makeup, deodorant products. Grade and dose: stated on the CoA supplied with each lot.

Clear even-tone serum recipe, 100 g

Distilled water 79.40 g, Transcutol 5.00 g, beta-arbutin 2.00 g, niacinamide 4.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, propanediol 3.00 g, hydroxyethylcellulose 0.80 g, sodium hyaluronate 0.10 g, panthenol 0.50 g, disodium EDTA 0.10 g, phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin 1.00 g, sodium citrate solution 1.10 g. Hydrate the cellulose in water, dissolve EDTA, hyaluronate, niacinamide and panthenol, premix arbutin in Transcutol and propanediol until clear and add it, add glycerin and the preservative below 40 °C, and adjust the pH to about 5.5.

Who it is for

Formulators who work with brightening powders, clarifying actives or oil-loving ingredients in water-based products benefit most. It is a basic tool for any lab that makes serums.

Dose guidance

Follow the technical sheet and local rules for ethoxydiglycol, which set maximum levels by product type. Use the lowest level that keeps the active fully dissolved.

Testing

Check clarity and crystal formation after storage at low temperature, room temperature and elevated temperature. Skin tolerance tests confirm comfort in the finished formula.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light.