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Moumoujus

2-HEXANOL.

Optional CAS 626-93-7 / PERFUMING

2-Hexanol is a secondary alcohol that serves dual functions as a fragrance component and penetration enhancer in skincare formulations. This ingredient partitions into skin's lipid bilayers to facilitate absorption of other actives while contributing scent properties. Though effective at low concentrations, it requires careful formulation due to its potential for skin irritation at higher levels.

Summary

perfuming solvent penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions by integrating into the stratum corneum lipid domain, where it reduces barrier resistance and enhances transdermal delivery of accompanying ingredients. As a secondary alcohol, it exhibits mild lipid-disrupting properties that can temporarily increase skin permeability while providing solvent capabilities for other formulation components.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.8–1%
Optimal

0.8%

Key findings

  1. 01 Maximum safe usage level for fragrance applications with no skin sensitization concerns based on structural analogue data

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Red flag below
50%

Becomes a skin irritant above 50% concentration according to rabbit irritation studies, making high-percentage formulations problematic for consumer safety.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Stable under ambient conditions but flammable with flash point of 41-45°C. Risk of explosive peroxide formation during extended storage or distillation processes.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed by CIR, assessed by RIFM for fragrance applications only
Max tested
0.8%
Sensitization risk Low

Classified as Category 2 eye irritant and Category 4 acute oral toxin in concentrated form. Potential neurotoxicity risk if metabolized to 2,5-hexanedione, though topical exposure levels remain extremely low at 0.1 μg/kg/day.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

A functional but non-essential ingredient best suited for fragrance applications in normal to oily skin formulations at concentrations below 1%.

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References

Sources