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1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol · 2-Hexanediol · 1‚2-Hexanediol · HexanediolHydrator
A multitasking glycol used as a solvent, mild humectant, and preservative-booster that lets formulas use less traditional preservative.
What it does
1,2-Hexanediol is a small diol that dissolves other ingredients, holds a little water at the skin surface, and improves the spread of a formula. Its main job, though, is supporting the preservative system: it makes a formula less hospitable to microbes, so brands can pair it with a gentler preservative or use less of one. It is a behind-the-scenes texture-and-stability ingredient rather than something that does anything noticeable on the skin.
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