What is "1,2-HEXANEDIOL" and what does it do?

Role:HUMECTANT/SOLVENT

Family: HUMECTANT/SOLVENT

1,2-hexanediol has several uses in cosmetics:

As a humectant, it attracts and retains water in the epidermis, providing long-lasting hydration for the skin.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve certain ingredients, such as pigments and botanical extracts, to ensure even distribution in the formulation. However, its presence can also influence product texture.

As for side effects, although generally considered non-sensitizing, 1,2-hexanediol can cause eye irritation.

Ultimately, it can impart a soft, pleasant feel to the formula, act as a humectant and solvent for other ingredients (for example, it can help stabilize fragrances in aqueous products), and facilitate a more even dispersion of pigments in make-up products. And that's not all: it can also enhance the antimicrobial activity of preservatives.