1,2-Hexanediol

1,2-Hexanediol molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 6920-22-5, DL-1, 2-Dihydroxyhexane, 5, 6-Dihydroxyhexane
Synthetic
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Clean
2-HEXANEDIOL is a cosmetic ingredient used as skin conditioning, solvent. Also known as 1. Rated low hazard by EWG.
Formula
C6H14O2
Mol. Weight
118.17
CAS #
6920-22-5
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Conditions Skin
Dissolves Ingredients
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
A synthetic humectant developed in the mid-20th century as an alternative to glycerin. Used in modern skincare for its hydrating and preservative-boosting properties, offering improved stability in formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed2 papers →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR