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1,2-Hexanediol

1,2-Hexanediol suppliers and sourcing guide

1,2-Hexanediol is a six-carbon diol, a clear, nearly odorless liquid that mixes with water and many oils. It is made synthetically, typically by oxidizing 1-hexene to the epoxide and hydrolyzing it, or from bio-based feedstocks by some suppliers, then purified by distillation. Cosmetic brands buy it as a liquid for use as a solvent and humectant-type glycol that also contributes to preservation, often in combination with caprylyl glycol.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Hexane-1,2-diol · 1,2-Dihydroxyhexane · CAS 6920-22-5
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of 1,2-Hexanediol

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Standard liquid

    Distilled liquid at high purity, the usual form for skin care and wipes.

  • Bio-based

    Grades made from plant-derived feedstocks, sometimes with a stated bio-based carbon content or certification for natural-style claims.

  • Glycol blends

    1,2-Hexanediol premixed with caprylyl glycol, tropolone or other ingredients as a ready-made preservative booster system.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC)
1,2-Hexanediol content, usually 98 to 99 percent or more.
Water (Karl Fischer)
Water content, since the diol takes up moisture.
Color (APHA) and appearance
Color on the APHA/Hazen scale, a check on purity and storage.
Related diols and residuals
Other diols and starting materials by GC, as specified by the supplier.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store 1,2-hexanediol in closed containers at room temperature, away from heat and strong oxidizers. It absorbs water from humid air, so keep drums tightly sealed. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for assay, water and color.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay, water content and source (petrochemical or bio-based) for each lot, since natural-style claims depend on the source. Rotate drums first-expiring first and keep part-used containers sealed.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

1,2-Hexanediol suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking 1,2-Hexanediol suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of 1,2-Hexanediol can brands buy?

Common forms include standard liquid, bio-based and glycol blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for 1,2-Hexanediol include?

Expect assay (GC), water (Karl Fischer), color (APHA) and appearance, related diols and residuals and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should 1,2-Hexanediol be stored?

Store 1,2-hexanediol in closed containers at room temperature, away from heat and strong oxidizers. It absorbs water from humid air, so keep drums tightly sealed. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for assay, water and color.

What is the regulatory status of 1,2-Hexanediol?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists 1,2-hexanediol for topical products as a preservative antimicrobial, skin-conditioning agent or solvent, up to 10%. The same entry allows it in dental products as a preservative antimicrobial up to 1%.

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