Hexanediol: Multifunctional, safe & modern formulation
Introduction: Why hexanediol is indispensable today
At a time when consumers expect highly effective, maximally skin-friendly and microbiologically safe products, hexanediol is playing a key role. The active ingredient is now one of the most popular multifunctional ingredients used by modern formulators, combining product protection, moisturisation and sensory optimisation in a single molecule. Its reliability, flexibility and excellent skin compatibility make hexandiol one of the most important ingredients in contemporary, intelligent formulations.
The versatile benefits of hexandiol in cosmetic formulations
Hexandiol offers an exceptional range of functions that goes far beyond those of a classic raw material. Its properties make it a true all-rounder:
- Effective product protection: Hexandiol supports microbiological stability and enables the development of modern ‘low preservative’ or ‘self-preserving’ formulations. The raw material has a broad-spectrum effect against bacteria and yeasts without acting as an aggressive preservative.
- Moisturising the skin: Hexanediol binds water efficiently and contributes to a smooth skin feel. It is ideal for leave-on and rinse-off products.
- Sensory improvement: Formulations with hexanediol benefit from better spreadability, a smooth skin finish and a pleasantly light texture.
- Raw material stabilisation: Hexanediol increases the stability of formulation-sensitive active ingredients and protects them from premature degradation.
- High compatibility in the formulation process: Hexanediol is heat-stable, pH-stable and can be used in various dosage forms without any problems – from emulsions and gels to anhydrous concepts.
Compatibility studies: Why hexanediol is considered particularly safe: Modern safety assessments show that hexanediol is an extremely well-tolerated, multifunctional active ingredient. In dermatological test models, it has a very low irritant effect and is very well tolerated even at higher concentrations.
The most important findings from compatibility and safety tests:
- Hexanediol does not impair the skin barrier and is suitable for sensitive skin.
- Irritation and sensitisation data show an extremely low potential for adverse skin reactions.
- Modern testing approaches show no adverse effects on the skin microbiome.
- Hexanediol is ideal for formulations that require high safety with minimal use of preservatives.
Hexanediol thus meets current market requirements for maximum gentleness and high functional performance.
Physicochemical characteristics of 1,2-hexanediol:
1,2-hexanediol is a linear, dihydric glycol with a clear, colourless to slightly viscous liquid as its basic physical form. With a molecular weight of 118.17 g/mol, a melting point of approx. –50 °C and a boiling point in the range of approx. 220–225 °C, the substance exhibits high thermal stability, which makes it particularly flexible in formulation practice. Thanks to its high polarity and pronounced hygroscopicity, hexanediol has good water-binding properties and also acts as a mild solubilising and dispersing agent. Its medium viscosity and amphiphilic molecular character enable it to spread and distribute well on the skin. In addition, 1,2-hexanediol is completely miscible in water, alcohols and many glycols. This significantly expands its range of applications in a wide variety of formulations – from gels and emulsions to anhydrous systems. These physicochemical properties form the basis for the extraordinary multifunctionality of hexanediol in cosmetic products.
Synergistic boost: Cosactive MF 0506 and MF 0506 ECO
Hexanediol is already an outstanding multifunctional substance, but its performance can be further enhanced through intelligent combinations. The two Cosactive raw materials MF 0506 and MF 0506 ECO exploit precisely this synergy: they combine pentylene glycol with hexanediol, thereby creating functional added value.
Why Cosactive MF 0506 and MF 0506 ECO set a new benchmark:
- Enhanced antimicrobial performance – ideal for modern, mild product protection systems
- Stronger moisture binding – significantly more intense than with pure hexanediol
- Increased antioxidant stability: protection of sensitive raw materials against degradation
- Optimised formulation stability, especially in O/W and W/O systems.
- Extremely high skin compatibility: suitable for sensitive skin, baby care and concepts that protect the microbiome
ECO variant: natural origin and ideal for natural concepts
Both are available from 1 kg and are therefore perfect for development departments, contract manufacturers and niche brands.
This combination takes the already strong properties of hexanediol to a new technological level and enables the development of innovative, safe and microbiome-friendly products.
Conclusion: Hexanediol is here to stay and is becoming even more powerful thanks to modern raw material concepts.
Hexanediol is an indispensable multifunctional ingredient for modern cosmetic products. Its high effectiveness, excellent skin compatibility and regulatory safety make it a cornerstone of advanced formulations.
With synergistic developments such as Cosactive MF 0506 and MF 0506 ECO, formulators can use hexanediol even more efficiently and develop products that meet current and future market requirements for sustainability, skin friendliness and multifunctionality.
Cosmacon has been developing modern, safe and highly effective formulations based on hexanediol for many years – from clean beauty and sensitive skin to microbiome-friendly concepts. We support brands in developing products that are reliable, stable and maximally skin-friendly. Feel free to ask us!
Tojo Cosmetics offers immediately available white label products in which hexanediol and modern multifunctional ingredients are already used in their optimal form. This is perfect for brands that want to launch quickly and professionally. Click here to visit the Tojo website.
Cosactive GmbH provides contract manufacturers and formulators with two highly innovative raw materials, Cosactive MF 0506 and Cosactive MF 0506 ECO. They are available in quantities starting at 1 kg and are ideal for sophisticated formulations. To learn more about Cosactive raw materials, visit www.cosactive.de.
Literature:
‘Heroes of modern product protection (1): 1,2-hexanediol’, SOFW Journal 11/2025, p. 42 ff.