SkinWis
SkinWis Scientific

Skincare Ingredient

Sign in to save this ingredient

Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.

Hexylene Glycol

In Skincare: Is Hexylene Glycol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Generally considered safe (CIR) as a solvent/humectant; may cause mild irritation in some individuals. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated Hexylene Glycol and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics under current conditions of use. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it with a moderate health concern score due to potential for skin irritation.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Hexylene glycol functions as a solvent that contributes to smooth product application and desirable skin care textures.

  • 02

    This ingredient exhibits viscosity-reducing properties, enabling it to reduce the thickness of formulations.

  • 03

    Hexylene glycol is commonly found in a diverse range of skin care, hair care, and makeup products.

  • 04

    In its raw form, hexylene glycol appears as a clear liquid.

  • 05

    Extensive research over decades supports the safety of hexylene glycol for cosmetic use.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Hexylene glycol is a clear liquid solvent and humectant commonly used in skincare to improve product texture and spreadability. It can help thin formulations and exhibits antimicrobial properties, potentially contributing to product preservation. Often used in conjunction with preservatives like phenoxyethanol, hexylene glycol can enhance their effectiveness, allowing for reduced concentrations. Extensive safety data supports its use in personal care products at typical concentrations found in skincare formulations.
Classifications
Solvent
Texture Enhancer

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Hexylene glycol (also known as 1,3-Butanediol) effectively dissolves a wide range of substances, including essential oils and synthetic flavoring agents. It belongs to the class of glycols or glycol ethers – alcohols characterized by having two hydroxyl groups (diols).

Common Uses

Formulation in Hexylene Glycol

Hexylene glycol is utilized in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent, helping to dissolve other ingredients. It also functions as a viscosity reducer, contributing to the desired texture and consistency of products.

Role of Hexylene Glycol

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

PERFUMING

Fragrance Provider

Provides fragrance to enhance product appeal

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

SOLVENT

Ingredient Dissolver

Dissolves other ingredients to create uniform formulations

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Solvents dissolve, dilute, or disperse other ingredients creating homogeneous solutions. Water is universal solvent for hydrophilic ingredients. Organic solvents include ethanol (dissolves fragrances, some actives), propylene glycol, and glycerin. Selection based on polarity matching between solvent and solute. Mechanism involves disrupting intermolecular forces in solute and surrounding with solvent molecules. Critical for maintaining ingredient solubility and product stability.

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and oil through surfactant action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Emulsifying Surfactant

Blends oil and water phases into stable mixtures

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.

Products

containing Hexylene Glycol

3849 formulations
Dermo-Expertise Eye Makeup Remover
Dermo-Expertise Eye Makeup Remover
L'Oreal · makeup
Tonique Douceur Softening Hydrating Toner with Rose Water
Tonique Douceur Softening Hydrating Toner with Rose Water
Lancôme · toning-essences
Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50
Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50
Epionce · sunscreen

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73

[2]

Acta Dermato-Venereologica, January 1991, pages 148-150

[3]

Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1985, pages 1-26

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hexylene Glycol — common questions

What is Hexylene Glycol in skincare?

Hexylene glycol is a clear, practically colorless liquid. It’s commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a solvent and viscosity reducer, found in formulations for hair products, bath products, eye makeup, facial makeup, fragrances, personal cleansing products, shaving creams, and skin care products. It is a glycol ether – a type of alcohol containing two hydroxyl groups (also known as a diol).

What does Hexylene Glycol do? / Functions of Hexylene Glycol?

Common functions: PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SOLVENT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Hexylene Glycol? / Is Hexylene Glycol comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Hexylene Glycol has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Hexylene Glycol clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Hexylene Glycol safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Hexylene Glycol has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered safe (CIR) as a solvent/humectant; may cause mild irritation in some individuals. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated Hexylene Glycol and concluded it

Is Hexylene Glycol good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Hexylene Glycol has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Hexylene Glycol in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally considered safe (CIR) as a solvent/humectant; may cause mild irritation in some individuals. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated Hexylene Glycol and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics under current conditions of use. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it with a moderate health concern score due to potential for skin irritation.

)