INCI: Hexylene Glycol - Also known as: 1,2-Hexanediol, 4-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol
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Key |
Value |
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INCI Name |
Hexylene Glycol (also listed as 1,2-Hexanediol in the Hydra-Cream and Lipid-Cream) |
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Category |
Glycol / Co-Preservative / Solvent |
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Concentration in Formula |
Below 1% in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum, Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream, and Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream |
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Suitable For |
All skin types |
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Origin |
Synthetic |
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Irritation Risk |
Low at standard cosmetic concentrations below 1% |
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Comedogenic Rating |
0 |
Hexylene glycol (1,2-hexanediol) is a six-carbon 1,2-diol - the longest-chain member of the 1,2-glycol family used in Sweet Chemistry's formulas alongside propanediol and pentylene glycol. Its six-carbon chain gives it a more lipophilic character than its shorter-chain counterparts, which translates into stronger antimicrobial membrane activity at lower concentrations and a more pronounced solvent capacity for oil-phase components within emulsion systems.
In Sweet Chemistry's Hydra-Serum and Hydra-Cream, it is listed as Hexylene Glycol; in the Lipid-Cream's INCI list it appears as 1,2-Hexanediol - both names refer to the same compound. This dual naming reflects the two accepted INCI conventions for the same molecule rather than any difference in the ingredient itself.
Like pentylene glycol and propanediol, hexylene glycol functions as a multifunctional formulation ingredient - simultaneously contributing co-preservative, solvent, and mild humectant character. Its co-preservative activity is studied in connection with membrane disruption of microbial cells, where its longer, more lipophilic chain allows it to penetrate microbial membranes more effectively than shorter-chain glycols at equivalent concentrations.
Hexylene glycol's skin contributions mirror those of the other glycols in the Sweet Chemistry preservation and solvent system - humectant moisture attraction, active solubilization, and co-preservative support - but with a slightly more lipophilic character that shifts its balance toward stronger solvent and preservation activity relative to its shorter-chain counterparts.
As a solvent, hexylene glycol's six-carbon lipophilic tail makes it particularly useful for dissolving low-polarity actives that are difficult to incorporate cleanly in a predominantly aqueous system. In formulas carrying oil-phase ceramides, botanical extracts, and lipophilic antioxidants like tocopheryl acetate and resveratrol, a glycol with some lipophilic character helps maintain clean, uniform dissolution throughout the emulsion.
As a co-preservative, hexylene glycol adds antimicrobial coverage through its membrane-disrupting lipophilic character - complementing the more hydrophilic preservation action of phenoxyethanol and the surface-active potentiation of ethylhexylglycerin. The combination of multiple glycol co-preservatives with complementary chain lengths and lipophilicities creates a more robust preservation system than any single glycol approach provides.
At the skin surface, hexylene glycol contributes a smooth, skin-compatible feel that is consistent with the broader emollient and conditioning system of each formula - a background contribution rather than a headline active, but a real one.
In 3 Formulas
Hexylene glycol (1,2-hexanediol) is present in Sweet Chemistry's three water-based formulas below the 1% line as a multifunctional co-preservative, solvent, and conditioning glycol.
Nourishment - All Skin Types
Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Hexylene Glycol - 1.0 oz / 30 ml
The Hydra-Serum's preservation and solvent system includes hexylene glycol alongside propanediol and pentylene glycol, supporting the stability and microbial safety of a 40%-active emulsion.
Hydration - Dry to Normal
Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream 1,2-Hexanediol - 1.7 oz / 50 ml
In the Hydra-Cream, hexylene glycol contributes to the multi-glycol co-preservative and solvent system within a 40%-active emulsion.
Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated
Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream 1,2-Hexanediol - 1.7 oz / 50 ml
In the Lipid-Cream, hexylene glycol supports formula stability within the most active-dense water-based formula in the Sweet Chemistry lineup.
Bio-Derived Glycol Propanediol
INCI: Propanediol.
A three-carbon glycol present in all four formulas with humectant and solvent character. Synergy Note: Propanediol and hexylene glycol have complementary chain lengths - propanediol's three-carbon hydrophilic profile pairs with hexylene glycol's six-carbon lipophilic reach, together covering a broader polarity range for active solubilization than either single glycol.
Multifunctional Glycol Pentylene Glycol
INCI: Pentylene Glycol.
A five-carbon glycol in all three water-based formulas as a co-preservative and solvent. Synergy Note: Pentylene glycol and hexylene glycol are adjacent-chain-length glycols - their combined presence covers the five- and six-carbon lipophilicity range for both solvent and co-preservative activity within the same preservation system.
Primary Preservative Phenoxyethanol
INCI: Phenoxyethanol.
The primary antimicrobial preservative in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: Hexylene glycol's lipophilic membrane-disrupting co-preservative activity complements phenoxyethanol's antimicrobial mechanism - their combined presence allows phenoxyethanol to be effective at a lower individual concentration within a broader multi-component system.
ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides
INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.
At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: Hexylene glycol's solvent contribution supports consistent dissolution of the Matrikynes® peptide complex across the formula's shelf life and use cycle - stable solubilization and stable active delivery are directly connected.
