What Is Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate?
Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate is a synthetic liquid ester made by reacting triethylene glycol with benzoic acid. The result is a clear oily fluid that blends well with many cosmetic ingredients. First used as a plasticizer in the plastics industry in the mid-20th century, it caught the eye of cosmetic chemists who wanted a safer way to keep makeup and skin care formulas flexible and stable. Production relies on a simple heat-driven esterification process where the glycol and benzoic acid combine, water is removed, then the mixture is purified to meet cosmetic-grade standards.
You will most often spot this ingredient in products that need a smooth even texture. Common examples include nail polish, mascara, liquid and stick foundations, lipsticks, creamy eyeshadows, face masks, anti-aging serums, leave-on moisturizers and hair styling gels.
Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place in a formula thanks to two main roles:
- Plasticiser – keeps films formed by nail colour, mascara or foundation flexible so they do not crack or flake, improves spreadability for a smooth glossy finish and helps pigments stay evenly dispersed
- Viscosity controlling – adjusts thickness to create a product that flows from the package yet stays where you put it, prevents ingredient separation and supports overall stability during shelf life
Who Can Use Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Thanks to its lightweight oily texture and low likelihood of clogging pores, Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate is generally suitable for dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Sensitive skin users can usually tolerate it too because it has no fragrance or known harsh solvents, though very reactive skin should still keep an eye on how it feels when first introduced.
The ingredient is produced through a fully synthetic process that involves no animal by-products so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Manufacturers typically source both triethylene glycol and benzoic acid from petrochemical or plant-based feedstocks rather than animal tissues.
Current safety assessments find no evidence that topical use poses a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding, mainly because dermal absorption is very low. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor just to be on the safe side.
Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known phototoxic or photoallergic properties. It is also fragrance-free and colorless so it rarely interferes with other actives or the final look of makeup.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions but they are uncommon for most users when the ingredient has been formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation slight redness or stinging in people with very sensitive or compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare itchy rash or swelling in individuals allergic to benzoic acid derivatives
- Eye irritation watering or burning if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Follicular congestion isolated blemishes in acne-prone users when combined with very occlusive ingredients
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate is a lightweight ester that spreads easily without leaving a heavy occlusive layer. It stays fluid at skin temperature instead of hardening in pores which lowers the chance of blockages. Studies on similar glycol dibenzoates report minimal comedone formation confirming its low clogging potential.
Most acne-prone users can apply products containing this ingredient without extra concern.
Remember the full formula matters; if a product also contains rich waxes or high-comedogenic oils the overall breakout risk may still rise.
Summary
Triethylene Glycol Dibenzoate serves mainly as a plasticiser and viscosity controller. It slips between film-forming molecules to keep makeup flexible then fine-tunes thickness so creams stay stable and pigments remain evenly dispersed.
While not a headline ingredient it quietly shows up in many nail polishes mascaras and liquid foundations because it simply gets the job done.
Safety reviews rank it low for irritation and toxicity which makes it suitable for most skin types. Even so every skin is unique so give any new product containing this ester a quick patch test to be sure it agrees with you.