1,2-Hexanediol is a glycol alcohol (with two hydroxy groups on the 1 and 2 positions and six carbon atoms), a multifunctional ingredient used as a solvent, emollient, moisturizing agent, and preservative in skin and hair care applications. It is a clear, colorless hygroscopic liquid with a good humectant effect and spreadability.
It is freely soluble in water and can easily be incorporated into a formulation. Prue 1,2-Hexanediol is nearly odorless. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for formulations with no or low fragrance content.
Suspending microbial growth, 1,2-Hexanediol is considered an ecologically friendly preservative and booster for other preservatives. However, a study found that personal care products containing >2% of this glycol can be toxic to plants. It is used in preservative systems coupled with parabens, caprylyl glycol, and other glycols.
Used as an emollient, it stabilizes emulsions while helping solubilize other active ingredients. In decorative cosmetics and anhydrous formulas, 1,2-Hexanediol is used to wet pigments, control viscosity, and reduce stickiness.Thanks to its compatibility with a wide range of ingredients, 1,2-Hexanediol is readily incorporated into formulations, working well with surfactants, oils, and volatile compounds, improving sensation, consistency, and penetration. It exhibits good compatibility with skin (minimal irritation or sensitization), an excellent biological degradation profile, and an antioxidant-boosting effect. This diol is used in many cleansers, creams, lotions, masks, hair care products, and sensitive skin care products.
