In many cases, especially in classic and chemically produced cosmetics, there are references to the ingredient 1 2 hexanediol. The name itself shows that this is one of the synthetic ingredients. In cosmetics, this provides the necessary moisture and contributes to a smoother skin feeling. But what effect does 1 2 hexanediol actually achieve and what should you pay attention to when using it? We'll show you this directly in this encyclopedia article.
How does 1 2 hexanediol work as a cosmetic ingredient?
1 2 Hexanediol is a highly moisturizing active ingredient that has a pleasant effect, especially on stressed skin. This makes it easy to get the necessary balance and use the right cosmetics for dry skin types. Even for sensitive skin, the moisturizing structure of the ingredient becomes one of the central properties.
Due to the very open application, which in practice also depends on the extent of the additive, 1 2 hexanediol is contained in many cosmetic products. However, it must be mentioned here that this is a purely chemical ingredient. If you want to avoid synthetic content in your own cosmetics as much as possible, you should stay away from substances such as 1 2 hexanediol. However, the chemistry as part of cosmetics is not questionable for one-time use.
This cosmetic contains 1 2 hexanediol specifically
Thanks to its very open and diverse effects, 1 2 hexanediol is already used in many cosmetic products. This applies to both the skin and the hair. The synthetic ingredient is also often included as an additive in liquid articles for cleaning and care. This makes it a popular choice as a solvent and humectant for the following product groups:
- Moisturizing hair conditioners
- Cleansing and skin care products
- Refreshing and effective make-up
- Additional moisture in baby care
- Refreshing effect in deodorants
As a viscosity regulator, 1 2 hexanediol is also becoming a popular choice for cosmetic products. This makes it easy to use the additive to ensure a long-lasting and reliable effect. Because it can be mixed with water and many other substances, 1 2 hexanediol can be used excellently as a cosmetic additive. However, there are certainly concerns when it comes to long-term and regular use of elements such as the chemical diol.
Is 1 2 hexanediol harmful to health in the long term?
How exactly the various active ingredients and additives influence the overall effect always depends on the corresponding amount. Even if most studies on this topic are not yet complete, they play an important role. While the one-time use of synthetic cosmetics is generally harmless, this is usually not the case for more frequent use.
It is not so easy to determine whether synthetic cosmetics have a negative effect in your case. For some skin types, the chemical ingredients cause allergies and skin irritation and should therefore be avoided. Some ingredients such as parabens and mineral oils as well as certain synthetic surfactants have even been proven to be carcinogenic. Even if this is not quite as clear with 1 2 hexanediol, you should prefer natural substances.
Why natural cosmetics wanted to be preferred
When it comes to the independent use of cosmetics, the difference between natural products and synthetic products is only noticeable on the surface. In the long term, however, it is quite possible that the skin does not always cope well with chemical additives. If fundamental reactions occur, natural ingredients are usually the better choice.
However, substances such as 1 2 hexanediol can be questionable not only for the individual feeling of the skin, but also in terms of the environment. The production of such substances often has a significant impact on the environment, the soil or groundwater. However, if you consciously decide to use plant-based substances, you don't have to worry about this. In terms of effectiveness, similar results can be achieved as with chemical solutions.
Further details on the relevant ingredients
In order to find the right cosmetics according to your ideas right from the start, it's worth taking a look at the respective ingredients. This makes it easy to find out more about the effects of the numerous remedies before you buy and to protect yourself as best as possible. If you do not want to use synthetic cosmetics, it must not contain 1 2 hexanediol. There are also alternatives on a natural basis, which we go into in more detail here in our ingredient lexicon. It's best to check for yourself which ingredients from our collection are suitable for your skin.
