Humectant

Hexylene Glycol

Synthetic dual-solvent active glycol — a solvent, moisturizer, and permeability enhancer. It ensures uniform distribution of active components in the formula, improves their penetration into the skin, and provides a pleasant texture to the products.

glycolsolventpermeability enhancermoisturizer

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

1/5

What is it?

Hexylene Glycol (INCI: Hexylene Glycol) — synthetic C6-glycol. Molecular weight ~118 Da. A liquid that mixes with water and most organic solvents. Functions in cosmetics: 1) Solvent — improves the solubility of lipophilic actives in aqueous formulas; 2) Moisturizer (weaker than glycerin); 3) Permeability enhancer — facilitates the transport of actives through the stratum corneum; 4) Antiseptic effect (at higher concentrations); 5) Texturizing agent. Differs from propanediol and pentylene glycol: more lipophilic (C6), better dissolves fat-soluble actives.

Formulas with lipophilic actives (retinol, vitamin E), products with mineral extracts, antiseptic products (at higher concentrations), basic solvents.

Key Benefits

✦

Dissolution and stabilization of lipophilic actives

Hexylene glycol — amphiphilic: has both hydrophilic (-OH) and lipophilic (C6 chain) properties. This allows dissolving lipophilic actives (retinol, carotenoids, vitamin E) in aqueous or hydroalcoholic formulas without separate lipid phases. Result: clear or translucent products with fat-soluble actives. Especially useful in toners with retinol or antioxidant complexes.

◈

Enhancement of active permeability

Hexylene glycol interacts with the lipids of the stratum corneum, temporarily increasing its permeability. This improves the transdermal penetration of actives (peptides, vitamin C, HA). Effect: enhanced bioavailability of actives without damaging the barrier at concentrations <5%. Compared to pentylene glycol: hexylene glycol is more lipophilic → better interacts with lipid lamellae.

✧

Antimicrobial activity and support for preservatives

At concentrations >5%, hexylene glycol exhibits antimicrobial properties (damaging bacterial membranes). Often used as a "booster" for preservatives (phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol): reduces the required concentration of the preservative. This allows for a reduction in the content of potentially allergenic preservatives in the formula. In Ecocert-certified products: not allowed.

Suitable for

all skin typesformulas with lipophilic activeslight non-greasy textures

Main Actions

✓ dissolution of lipophilic actives✓ enhancement of permeability✓ antimicrobial support for preservatives

Hexylene Glycol and safety

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review): hexylene glycol is safe up to 4% in leave-on products and up to 50% in rinse-off products. Allergenic potential: low, but possible with individual sensitivity to glycols. Eye irritation: avoid contact with eyes. Not suitable for Ecocert/COSMOS-certified cosmetics. Compared to caprylyl glycol (C8): hexylene glycol (C6) is less lipophilic but a better solvent.

CategoryHumectants

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hexylene Glycol do for skin?

Formulas with lipophilic actives (retinol, vitamin E), products with mineral extracts, antiseptic products (at higher concentrations), basic solvents.

Who should use Hexylene Glycol?

Hexylene Glycol is suitable for: all skin types, formulas with lipophilic actives, light non-greasy textures.

Are there any warnings about Hexylene Glycol?

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