Ingredient dictionary

Triethylene Glycol

Triethylene glycol is a clear, thick liquid used as a humectant and solvent. It draws moisture into hair and skin and helps blend other ingredients into a formula. It is on the label of 9 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Triethylene Glycol does

Attracts and holds water in the formula
Helps dissolve and blend ingredients
Adds a smooth, even feel

Triethylene glycol is made from ethylene oxide, a petroleum-based building block, through a reaction that forms a short glycol chain. The result is a clear, thick liquid. It is a close cousin of propylene glycol, another common glycol used in personal care.

Formulators use it because it attracts and holds water, which helps hair and skin feel softer. It also dissolves other ingredients, so the product stays evenly blended. In a formula it feels smooth and slightly slippery, and it spreads without leaving a heavy film.

Good for

Shampoos and conditioners where you want moisture and an evenly blended formula. Suits most hair types, especially formulas meant to keep hair soft.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is triethylene glycol the same as propylene glycol?

No, they are different molecules. Both are glycols and both attract water, so they are used in similar ways. Triethylene glycol has a longer chain, which makes it a thicker liquid.

Does triethylene glycol make hair feel greasy?

In a rinse-off shampoo, it is washed away with the rest of the formula, so it is not meant to sit on hair. Because it attracts water, it can help hair feel soft and smooth after rinsing.