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1,2-Hexanediol

What 1,2-Hexanediol is & what it does

A humectant and solvent that also has mild antimicrobial activity, supporting the preservative system. It hydrates lightly and improves the spread of the formula.

What is 1,2-Hexanediol and what does it do in sunscreen?

1,2-Hexanediol is a humectant and solvent that also has mild antimicrobial activity. In a sunscreen it draws in a little water to hydrate the skin, helps dissolve and spread other ingredients, and supports the preservative system so the formula can use gentler preservatives. It is a quiet, multitasking helper rather than an active sun protectant.

Is 1,2-Hexanediol safe?

Yes. It is a widely used cosmetic ingredient that is well tolerated at the levels found in skincare and sunscreen. It is not a common irritant or sensitizer for most people. It is not flagged as an allergen in our data.

Does 1,2-Hexanediol clog pores?

Generally no. It is a small water-loving molecule, not a heavy oil or wax, so it is considered non-comedogenic and an unlikely cause of clogged pores. If you are breaking out, the richer emollients and oils elsewhere in a formula are far more likely the cause.

Is 1,2-Hexanediol a preservative?

Not exactly. 1,2-Hexanediol is classed as a humectant and solvent, but it has mild antimicrobial activity that supports the preservative system, so it lets a formula rely on a lighter preservative load. On its own it is usually not enough to preserve a product, so it works alongside dedicated preservatives rather than replacing them.

What else is 1,2-Hexanediol called?

On an ingredient list it is printed under its INCI name, 1,2-Hexanediol. It belongs to the glycol family of humectants and is sometimes grouped informally with other diols used as gentle multitaskers. You will usually find it lower on the list, near the other solvents and preservative helpers.

Sunscreens with 1,2-Hexanediol

We rate 1752 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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