Ethylhexanediol (often listed as ethyl hexanediol or 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol) is a synthetic diol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, emollient, and to enhance the efficacy of preservative systems. It also has mild humectant and antimicrobial-boosting properties and is commonly found in lotions and serums.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely in higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported in isolated patch-test cases. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause irritation on direct ocular contact. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.