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Ethyl Hexanediol

What Ethyl Hexanediol is & what it does

Ethyl Hexanediol (more precisely 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol) is a glycol-type liquid used in cosmetic formulas as a solvent, humectant, and skin-conditioning agent. In sunscreens and creams it can help dissolve other ingredients and improve the spreadability and feel of the product. Some related diols also contribute mild preservative-boosting properties by reducing the water available to microbes.

What does Ethyl Hexanediol do in skincare?

Ethyl Hexanediol is a glycol-type liquid used as a solvent, humectant, and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulas. It can help dissolve other ingredients and improve a product's spreadability and feel. Related diols can also support preservative systems by lowering the water available to microbes.

Is Ethyl Hexanediol safe?

Ethyl Hexanediol is used in cosmetics as a solvent and conditioning agent and is generally considered safe at the levels typically used in formulas. As with many glycol-type ingredients, very sensitive skin can occasionally react, so patch testing a new product is sensible. If you are unsure, follow the product's directions for use.

Is Ethyl Hexanediol natural or synthetic?

Ethyl Hexanediol is a synthetic diol manufactured for use in cosmetic and industrial applications. It is not a botanical or naturally extracted ingredient. It is produced to a consistent cosmetic grade for use as a solvent and conditioning agent.

Sunscreens with Ethyl Hexanediol

We rate 41 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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