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CarCareTruth

2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol)

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 94-96-2
  • IUPAC: 2-ethylhexane-1,3-diol; ethoexadiol; octanediol

2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) (CAS 94-96-2) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

LD50 oral >2000 mg/kg (rat, ECHA dossier). At 1–5% in a carrier-solvent formula, no GHS classification at mixture level for this ingredient. Mild skin and eye irritant at concentrated exposure. No Prop 65 listing. No reproductive or developmental toxicity classification at ingredient level in ECHA REACH dossier.

2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (CAS 94-96-2, also called octylene glycol or ethoexadiol) is a short-chain diol used as a co-solvent and plasticizer in coating and cosmetic formulations. In trim coatings it improves spreadability and extends the working window during application, complementing the faster-evaporating petroleum solvents in the carrier system.

It is also recognized as a mild broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent at higher concentrations (>1%), though at 1–5% in a coating formula its role is primarily as a plasticizing co-solvent rather than a biocide.

At typical formulation concentrations, octylene glycol presents low acute hazard. Its low aquatic toxicity and reasonable aerobic biodegradability make it one of the more environmentally benign components in petroleum-solvent trim coating formulas.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Co-solvent and film-plasticizer; improves spread and working time during coating application. Also used as a mild antimicrobial agent in cosmetics and industrial formulations.

Common questions about 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol)

What is 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) used for in car care?
Co-solvent and film-plasticizer; improves spread and working time during coating application. Also used as a mild antimicrobial agent in cosmetics and industrial formulations.
Is 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) a VOC?
Yes. 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) biodegradable?
Yes. 2-Ethylhexane-1,3-diol (Octylene Glycol) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.