The Index · Solvent / preservative booster
1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol
Multifunctional C6 glycol used as solvent, humectant, and preservative booster.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
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Multifunctional C6 glycol used as solvent, humectant, and preservative booster.
What it does
Helps dissolve actives and supports antimicrobial systems at low percent levels.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Common modern solvent; CIR-reviewed among alkyl diols. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
Multifunctional C6 glycol used as solvent, humectant, and preservative booster.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Alkyl Diols. CIR (2018)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: 1,2-Hexanediol. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk