Hexanediol

AKA: 1, 6-HEXANEDIOL, Hexane-1, 6-diol, 629-11-8, Hexamethylene glycol, 6-Dihydroxyhexane, Hexamethylenediol, Alpha, Omega-Hexanediol
Synthetic
Solvent
Clean
Hexane-1,6-diol is a diol that is hexane substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 1 and 6. It is a primary alcohol and a diol. It derives from a hydride of a hexane.
Solubility Soluble in water
Formula
C6H14O2
Mol. Weight
118.17
CAS #
629-11-8
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid, Other Solid; Other Solid
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Dissolves Ingredients
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Fights Bacteria
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic humectant and preservative booster. It was created to improve hydration in skincare products while providing antimicrobial support in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Moderate Irritant
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR