Intertek laboratories detect the presence of diethylene glycol in consumer products, ingredients and raw materials. Diethylene Glycol (DEG) has been used as a substitute to Glycerol (Glycerin) in toothpaste (dentifrice), cough syrup and other consumer product preparations manufactured and exported to global consumer markets as private-label brands or as counterfeit products. Intertek laboratories screen products and raw materials for the presence of DEG and other chemical compounds down to trace level quantification if required.

Diethylene Glycol analytical expertise includes: 

• Use of the Forensic Chemistry Center (FCC) method to examine toothpaste for the presence of Diethylene Glycol and a related substance of similar toxicity, Ethylene Glycol, at levels of 500 µg/g and above using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Samples are extracted using a mixture of acetonitrile/water. Then, the extract is centrifuged to remove solids and a portion of the supernatant is analyzed on a polar GC column.
• Screening by GC-MS using single ion monitoring for presence.
• Quantification using GC-FID down to levels below 0.01%.
• Analysis of products for the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol is available through Intertek laboratories in the USA, UK and Australia. Please contact Intertek for more details.
• Di-ethylene-glycol formula: C4H10O3
• Glycerol formula: C3H8O3

Related Toothpaste and consumer product testing services:

• Hydrogen Peroxide Testing

Intertek laboratories operate on a global basis, offering a wide range of analytical techniques and thousands of different tests. Intertek helps clients solve quality issues, enhance research projects, mitigate risk and more.