2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (Hexylene glycol) is an aliphatic alcohol known as: 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol; diolane; and 1,1,3-trimethyltrimethylene-diol. It is used as a chemical intermediate, a selective solvent in petroleum refining, a component of hydraulic fluids, a solvent for inks, and an additive for cement. It is also used in cosmetics and hair care products, textile dye vehicles, and as an additive in fuel and lubricant. Commercially, hexylene glycol is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of diacetone alcohol.

Toxicity

2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol is low in acute oral and dermal toxicity, with LDso values in excess of 2,000 mg/kg of body weight (BW). It is irritating to the skin and eyes, but it is not a skin sensitizer. It also has low inhalation toxicity, with an LCso of 160 ppm(0.772 mg/L), which is in excess of the saturated vapour concentration. The chemical is also not genotoxic in either mammalian or non-mammalian cells in vitro. Maternal and developmental NOAELs range from 300 to 500 mg/kg/day of bw. There were no carcinogenicity studies.

Exposures

Dietary (food and drinking water) and residential (inhalation and dermal) exposures of concern are unlikely with hexylene glycol because it is used in pesticide products that are applied infrequently (because they are only applied before the crop emerges from the soil) and because the chemical readily biodegrades in the environment. Hexylene glycol is expected to distribute in the environment, primarily in water, and biodegrade rapidly. Hexylene glycol has low toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic organisms and low potential for bioaccumulation.

Uses

Hexylene Glycol serves many functional benefits in skin care, hair care, and cosmetic products.

Skincare: It is primarily used in skin care to improve the sensory feel and texture of the products. It also attracts and retains moisture on the skin's surface, keeping it hydrated and nourished. It is often found in products like toners and cleansers.

Hair care: It is used as a viscosity agent and solvent to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It also acts as an emollient in shampoos and conditioners to provide hydration to the shafts.

Cosmetic products: It works to dissolve other ingredients present in a formulation and enhance the texture of the final product. Since it has low viscosity, it is useful in products like foundations, primers, and concealers.