9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · humectant · viscosity agent · preservative booster
Hexylene Glycol
Also known as: 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol, Hexylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol
Molecular Formula
C6H14O2
Molecular Weight
118.17 g/mol
Category
solvent
Bottom Line: Hexylene Glycol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though some may experience irritation.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
- used in well-ventilated areas for household products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using products on broken skin
- exposed to high concentrations in industrial settings
- using multiple products containing hexylene glycol
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to glycol compounds
- using on open wounds or mucous membranes
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- using in poorly ventilated spaces
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H14O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 118.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -58.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 388.0°C |
| Solubility | Miscible |
| Density | 0.923 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 0.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, lotions. Generally safe in cosmetics; monitor for irritation.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, creams. Used as a solvent; ensure proper formulation.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize exposure.
Food
Flavoring agents. Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Hexylene Glycol is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Hexylene Glycol may cause gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure to Hexylene Glycol may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes can cause irritation; flushing with water is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal irritation.
- elderly — Generally safe, but individual health factors should be considered.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual health conditions may affect safety. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Hexylene Glycol is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Hexylene Glycol is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Hexylene Glycol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Hexylene Glycol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Hexylene Glycol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: No safety concerns at typical exposure levels in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Hexylene Glycol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Hexylene Glycol is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should test for irritation.
Yes, it is considered safe for use in food at typical exposure levels.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:14:06.505722Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.