CAS 6920-22-5

1,2-Hexanediol

Hexane-1,2-diol · INCI: 1,2-Hexanediol

Cosmetic Grade≥ 99.5% (GC)Preservative Booster

Product Specifications

Product Name1,2-Hexanediol
CAS Number6920-22-5
EC Number230-029-6
INCI1,2-Hexanediol
SynonymsHexane-1,2-diol; DL-1,2-Hexanediol
Molecular FormulaC6H14O2
Molecular Weight118.17 g/mol
Purity≥ 99.5% (GC, cosmetic grade)
AppearanceColorless clear viscous liquid
Density0.951 g/cm³ (25 °C)
Refractive Indexn20/D 1.442
MOQ1 kg
CategoryCosmetic Ingredient
SDSEnglish SDS available
Packaging25 kg net HDPE drum / 200 kg net iron drum
Shelf Life24 months
Lead Time5–7 working days for stock; 2–4 weeks for bulk

Applications of 1,2-Hexanediol (CAS 6920-22-5)

1,2-Hexanediol (CAS 6920-22-5) is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient combining three actions in one molecule: preservative booster, humectant and solubilizer. Its amphiphilic structure — a hydrophilic glycol head with a lipophilic C4 tail — makes it fully compatible with water, alcohols and most cosmetic oils.

In modern preservation it works synergistically with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and caprylyl glycol, letting formulators significantly reduce traditional preservative levels — including paraben-free and mild formulations. Typical use level is 0.5–3%. It also improves skin feel as a light, non-sticky moisturizer and helps dissolve fragrance oils, sunscreens and other fat-soluble actives.

Key Properties & Formulation Notes

1,2-Hexanediol is a short-chain vicinal diol (C6H14O2) that combines three functions in a single molecule: humectant, preservative booster and solubiliser. Its amphiphilic structure — a hydrophilic glycol head paired with a small lipophilic C4 tail — explains why it mixes freely with water and alcohols while still helping to dissolve fragrance oils, essential oils and other fat-soluble actives into aqueous systems.

As a humectant it draws and holds water in the upper layers of the skin, yet it dries down light and non-sticky, so it rarely feels heavy even at several percent. It is fully water-soluble, low-viscosity, essentially odourless and colourless, and stable in the pH window used by most skin-care products. Typical use level is 0.5–3 %, and it is supplied as a ≥ 99.5 % (GC) grade.

Applications in Detail

Preservative Boosting

In modern preservation 1,2-Hexanediol works synergistically with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and caprylyl glycol. By weakening microbial cell membranes it lets formulators cut the concentration of conventional preservatives while keeping the same level of protection — the basis of paraben-free, formaldehyde-donor-free and preservative-light concepts.

Skin Care & Moisturising

Used at 1–3 % in toners, essences, serums, moisturisers and masks, it delivers immediate hydration with a clean, non-tacky finish. Because it also improves the solubility of fragrance and active oils, it doubles as a practical solubiliser in clear aqueous products such as micellar waters and facial mists.

Solubilising & Processing Aid

Formulators use it to incorporate lipophilic actives, vitamin oils and essential oils into transparent aqueous bases without cloudiness. It is heat-stable through normal emulsion processing and blends easily into the water phase, so it rarely requires changes to an existing manufacturing sequence.

Packaging, Storage & Handling

1,2-Hexanediol is supplied in 25 kg net HDPE drums or 200 kg net iron drums, with 1000 L IBCs available for bulk volumes. Because the material is a high-boiling, low-vapour-pressure glycol, all of these pack sizes are suitable for warehouse storage without temperature control.

Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and strong oxidising agents. The product is stable under normal storage conditions and is not classified as dangerous goods, so no special transport documentation is required.

Quality, Documentation & Supply

Our 1,2-Hexanediol is produced under ISO 9001:2015 with a ≥ 99.5 % (GC) specification and released against a full COA. Water content, appearance and assay are controlled batch by batch, and a TDS plus a GHS-compliant English SDS are available for your regulatory file. The minimum order quantity is 1 kg for evaluation; commercial quantities ship in 200 kg net drums or 1000 L IBCs on request.

For buyers building a compliant EU dossier, our article how to source cosmetic-grade raw materials sets out the documentation and supplier checks that matter most.

Request a Quote for 1,2-Hexanediol

Tell us your required quantity and destination. Our sales team replies within 24 hours with pricing, lead time, and shipping options. COA and SDS available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1,2-Hexanediol (CAS 6920-22-5)?

1,2-Hexanediol is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient (INCI: 1,2-Hexanediol) that combines three actions in one molecule: preservative booster, humectant and solubilizer. Qingdao Marram Chemical supplies cosmetic-grade material at ≥ 99.5% purity for personal-care formulations worldwide.

What purity grade do you offer for 1,2-Hexanediol?

Our standard grade is cosmetic grade ≥ 99.5% (GC) with low odor and water-white color. A COA is provided with every batch; TDS and a GHS English SDS are available via the document request form on this page.

How is 1,2-Hexanediol used in cosmetic formulations?

Typical use level is 0.5–3%. It works synergistically with phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and caprylyl glycol, allowing formulators to reduce traditional preservative levels — including paraben-free systems. It also acts as a light, non-sticky humectant and helps dissolve fragrance oils and fat-soluble actives.

What is the MOQ and lead time for 1,2-Hexanediol?

The minimum order quantity is 1 kg. Stock quantities typically ship within 5–7 working days; bulk production lots take 2–4 weeks. Final MOQ, pricing, and lead time are confirmed by email before ordering.

How can I get a quote, sample, or documents (COA / TDS / SDS)?

Email chaijing@marramchem.cn or call +86-15930139955 with your quantity and destination. We respond within 24 hours. COA, TDS, and a GHS English SDS are available via the document request form on this page.

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