1,2-Hexanediol

1,2-Hexanediol is glycol alcohol (with two hydroxy groups on 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 formulation. Prue 1,2-Hexanediol is nearly odorless. Therefore, it is suitable in particular for formulations with no or low fragrance content.

Suspending microbial growth, 1,2-Hexanediol is an ecologically friendly preservative and booster for other preservatives. Used as an emollient, it stabilizes emulsions while helping solubilize other active ingredients. In decorative cosmetics and anhydrous formulas, 1,2-Hexanediol is used for pigment wetting, control of viscosity, and stickiness.

Thanks to compatibility with a wide range of ingredients, 1,2-Hexanediol is readily incorporated into the formulations, working well with surfactants, oils, and violate compounds, improving sensation, consistency, and penetration. It exhibits good compatibility with skin (losest irritation or sensibilization), excellent biological degradation profile, and antioxidant boosting effect. This diol found its application in many cleansers, creams, lotions, masks, hair care, and sensitive skin care products.