Ethylene
AKA “Ethene, Acetene, Elayl, Olefiant gas, 74-85-1, Athylen, Etileno, Liquid ethylene, Bicarburretted hydrogen”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Ethylene
AKA: Ethene, Acetene, Elayl, Olefiant gas, 74-85-1, Athylen, Etileno, Liquid ethylene, Bicarburretted hydrogen
Synthetic · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Not Clean
Ethylene, refrigerated liquid (cryogenic liquid) appears as a pressurized liquid when shipped below 50 °F. Colorless with a sweet odor and taste. Vapors arising from the boiling liquid are lighter than air. Easily ignited. Not toxic but is a simple asphyxiant. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Used as an anesthetic, a refrigerant, and to make other chemicals.
Solubility In water, 131 mg/L at 25 °C
Formula
C2H4
Mol. Weight
28.05
CAS #
822-06-0
State
Ethylene appears as a colorless gas with a sweet odor and taste. It is lighter than air. It is easily ignited and a flame can easily flash back to the source of the leak. Under prolonged exposure to f
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
No clear cosmetic skin or hair benefits identified
Traditional Use
Ethylene gas discovered in the 18th century and identified as a plant hormone in the early 20th century. In cosmetics, ethylene is used in minimal quantities or as a precursor in synthesizing other cosmetic ingredients.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.
International journal of toxicology, 2006
Amended safety assessment of formaldehyde and methylene glycol as used in cosmetics.
Boyer IJ, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2013
Skin pigmentation improvement with resveratrol microemulsion gel using polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil.
Cao L, Li X, Zhao J, Du Q, Dun J
Drug development and industrial pharmacy, 2023
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
The influence of the polar head and the hydrophobic chain on the skin penetration enhancement effect of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives.
Casiraghi A, Di Grigoli M, Cilurzo F, Gennari CG, Rossoni G et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2012
Amended Safety Assessment of Formaldehyde and Methylene Glycol as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Amended Safety Assessment of Triethylene Glycol and Polyethylene glycols (PEGs)-4, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, -14, -16, -18, -20, -32, -33, -
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methylene Chloride
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)-2, -4, -6, -8, -12, -20, -32, -75 and -150 Dilaurate; PEG-2, -4, -6, -8, -9, -10, -12, -14, -20, -32, -75, -150, and -200 Laurate; an
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyethylene
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) -6, -8, -32, -75, -150, -14M, -20M
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Polyoxymethylene Urea
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI) Polymers as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate and Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride) as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Special Report on the Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Ethylene Glycol and its Ethers
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Butylene/Ethylene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene/Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Diethylene Glycol Diisononanoate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Diethylene Glycol/DMAP Acrylamide/PEG-180/HDI Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Dimethoxysilyl Ethylenediaminopropyl Dimethicone
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid/VA Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Calcium Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Magnesium Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Octene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Ethylene/Zinc Acrylate Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hexafluoropropylene/Tetrafluoroethylene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrogenated Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrogenated Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Methylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyethylene
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyethylene Isoterephthalate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyethylene Terephthalate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyoxymethylene Melamine
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyoxymethylene Urea
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Triethylene Glycol
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Butylene/ Ethylene/ Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Butylene/Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Diethylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate/Diisononanoate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene/ Propylene/ Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene/Octene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydrogenated Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydrogenated Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polyethylene
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polyoxymethylene Melamine
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polyoxymethylene Urea
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Triethylene Glycol
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Comparative Study of Glyceryl Behenate or Polyoxyethylene 40 Stearate-Based Lipid Carriers for Trans-Resveratrol Delivery: Development, Characterizati
Fachinetti N, Rigon RB, Eloy JO, Sato MR, Dos Santos KC et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2018
Comparative Study of Glyceryl Behenate or Polyoxyethylene 40 Stearate-Based Lipid Carriers for Trans-Resveratrol Delivery: Development, Characterizati
Fachinetti N, Rigon RB, Eloy JO, Sato MR, Dos Santos KC et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2018
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products.
Fruijtier-Pölloth C
Toxicology, 2005
Decamethylenebis (trimethylammonium) salts
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Dichloroethylenes
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Diethylene glycol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Ethylene oxide
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Ethylenediamine
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Methylene chloride
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Methylene Glycol
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Tetrachloroethylene
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Polymerization of Ethylene Oxide, Propylene Oxide, and Other Alkylene Oxides: Synthesis, Novel Polymer Architectures, and Bioconjugation.
Herzberger J, Niederer K, Pohlit H, Seiwert J, Worm M et al.
Chemical reviews, 2016
Efficacy of an emollient containing diethylene glycol/dilinoleic acid copolymer for the treatment of dry skin and pruritus in patients with senile xer
Izumi R, Negi O, Suzuki T, Tominaga M, Kamo A et al.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2017
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use.
Jang HJ, Shin CY, Kim KB
Toxicological research, 2015
Safety Assessment of Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride) as Used in Cosmetics.
Johnson W Jr, Boyer I, Zhu J, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2020
Effects of ethylcellulose and 2-octyldodecanol additives on skin permeation and irritation with ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer matrix patches contai
Kakubari I, Sasaki H, Takayasu T, Yamauchi H, Takayama S et al.
Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 2006
Fragrance material review on ethylene dodecanedioate.
McGinty D, Letizia CS, Api AM
Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2011
Management of hot tar burn using vitamin e ointment containing petroleum and polyoxyethylene sorbitan.
Ng K, Dalen D, Rhine D
CJEM, 2013
Physicochemical characterization of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and κ-carrageenan.
Ortiz-Tafoya MC, Tecante A
Data in brief, 2018
Permeation Enhancer in Microemulsions and Microemulsion-Based Gels: A Comparison of Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether and Oleyl Alcohol.
Pandey S, Baki G
Gels (Basel, Switzerland), 2025
Pd/C-Catalyzed Efficient and Selective Synthesis of Glycolic Acid from Ethylene Glycol.
Schmoll A, Huo YW, Shao S, Wu XF
ChemSusChem, 2025
Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl as Used in Cosmetics.
Scott LN, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2022
Immediate Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbates: More Common Than We Have Recognized.
Stone CA Jr, Liu Y, Relling MV, Krantz MS, Pratt AL et al.
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 2019
Cutaneous anaphylactoid reaction to polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil in dogs.
Sugiyama Y, Kawarai S, Ansai S, Bist P, Abraham SN et al.
Veterinary dermatology, 2024
Cutaneous anaphylactoid reaction to polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil in dogs.
Sugiyama Y, Kawarai S, Ansai S, Bist P, Abraham SN et al.
Veterinary dermatology, 2024
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR