1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol
- Role
- A glycol that dissolves other ingredients and conditions the skin.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Skin care
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
A diol from the 1,2-glycol group with a six-carbon chain. INCI functions: skin conditioning and solvent.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In roll-ons, gels and creams it helps dissolve the ingredients of the base. It does not reduce sweating.
The CIR reviewed 1,2-glycols, including 1,2-Hexanediol, and in 2012 concluded that they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration; the CIR summary table lists concentrations of 0.00005–10%.
It is generally well tolerated; on irritated skin a reaction to the finished formula is possible.
The related 1,2-glycols Pentylene Glycol and Caprylyl Glycol differ in chain length, with five and eight carbon atoms. Nor is it Propylene Glycol, which has a three-carbon chain.
Products containing 1,2-Hexanediol
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: 1,2-Hexanediol Supports: INCI functions
- CIR: Safety Assessment of 1,2-Glycols as Used in Cosmetics (2012) Supports: ingredient group, safety assessment
- CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: use concentrations