The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
1,2-Hexanediol
aka hexane-1,2-diol · 1,2-dihydroxyhexane
Paraben alternative and multifunctional preservative booster widely adopted in K-beauty and clean-positioned formulas. Combines antimicrobial activity with humectant and solubiliser function.
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial against bacteria and yeast
- Mild humectant
- Solubilises actives and fragrance components
- Enhances co-preservative efficacy
- Good tolerability at cosmetic concentrations
- Water-based peptide/PDRN serums
- Essence and toner formulations
- Sheet mask solutions
- Lightweight gel moisturisers
- Mist sprays
Effective pH 4–7; best paired with other preservation systems. May affect viscosity in polymer-thickened systems at higher loads.
Above 2% can cause transient irritation in compromised-barrier skin. Rare contact dermatitis documented.
Accepted as paraben-free option though synthetically derived. Some brands misattribute botanical provenance.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
1,2-Hexanediol
aka hexane-1,2-diol · 1,2-dihydroxyhexane
Paraben alternative and multifunctional preservative booster widely adopted in K-beauty and clean-positioned formulas. Combines antimicrobial activity with humectant and solubiliser function.
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial against bacteria and yeast
- Mild humectant
- Solubilises actives and fragrance components
- Enhances co-preservative efficacy
- Good tolerability at cosmetic concentrations
- Water-based peptide/PDRN serums
- Essence and toner formulations
- Sheet mask solutions
- Lightweight gel moisturisers
- Mist sprays
Effective pH 4–7; best paired with other preservation systems. May affect viscosity in polymer-thickened systems at higher loads.
Above 2% can cause transient irritation in compromised-barrier skin. Rare contact dermatitis documented.
Accepted as paraben-free option though synthetically derived. Some brands misattribute botanical provenance.