Solvent and preservative booster. Helps reduce the dose of classic preservatives in the formula and slightly retains skin moisture.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Technological ingredient without standalone activity. Well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations, rarely irritating.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic aliphatic diol with six carbon atoms. In cosmetic formulation it plays two roles: solvent and preservative booster. Mechanism. The molecule is amphiphilic and freely dissolves both water-soluble and mildly lipophilic actives. It acts on microbes directly by disrupting bacterial and fungal cell membranes. At 0.3–0.8% it boosts classic preservatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate), letting formulators reduce their dose. Where applied. Serums, essences, creams, micellar waters. Concentration 0.3–1%. Common in K-beauty and in the paraben-free Spanish lines (Sesderma, Endocare, Isdin) as part of the preservative system replacing parabens. Safety. CIR confirmed safety in cosmetics at up to 4% in 2017. Low irritation potential; contact allergy is rare and reported only at concentrations above 5%. Non-comedogenic. No systemic absorption through intact skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Topical systemic absorption is negligible; the molecule is metabolised to CO2 and water. Functional role. No standalone skin benefit: this is a formulation aid, not a cosmetic active.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
1,2-Hexanediol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
1,2-Hexanediol suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.
Solvent and preservative booster.
The INCI name is 1,2-Hexanediol. It may also appear as: Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Гександиол, 2-Hexanediol.
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