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Hexylene Glycol

  • Glycol ether solvents
  • CAS 107-41-5
  • IUPAC: 2-methylpentane-2,4-diol

Hexylene Glycol (CAS 107-41-5) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Not classified as a GHS health hazard at typical consumer product concentrations. Mild eye irritant at high concentrations in occupational settings. No Prop 65 listing. No asthmagen or carcinogen classification. Widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Hexylene glycol (2-methylpentane-2,4-diol, CAS 107-41-5) is a short-chain glycol used as a co-solvent and humectant in water-based formulations. In leather conditioners, it improves spreadability and helps maintain moisture in the conditioned surface. It is readily biodegradable and has low aquatic toxicity, making it one of the more environmentally benign co-solvents in this class. Not listed by Prop 65 or classified for GHS health hazards at the concentrations present in consumer leather care products.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Co-solvent and humectant used in water-based conditioning formulas to improve spreadability and provide mild moisturizing properties

Common questions about Hexylene Glycol

What is Hexylene Glycol used for in car care?
Co-solvent and humectant used in water-based conditioning formulas to improve spreadability and provide mild moisturizing properties
Is Hexylene Glycol a VOC?
No. Hexylene Glycol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Hexylene Glycol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Hexylene Glycol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Hexylene Glycol biodegradable?
Yes. Hexylene Glycol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.