Interpreting the skin care power of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, and parahydroxyacetophenone

In the fast-paced modern life, wet wipes have become a must-have for people's daily cleaning, care, and disinfection. But have you ever paid attention to the formula of the "wet wipes liquid" behind the packaging? The key to a good wet wipe is not just the non-woven fabric itself, but more importantly the wet wipes liquid formula soaked in it-this determines its mildness, moisturizing and antibacterial ability.

Today we will analyze four common and well-received ingredients: 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, and parahydroxyacetophenone to see their real role in wet wipes.

The core role of wet wipes liquid

The formula of wet wipes liquid should not only play a cleaning role, but also take into account moisturizing, antibacterial, antiseptic, and stability, especially baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, etc., and the selection of ingredients is more particular. With the increasing demand of consumers for "non-irritating" and "low antiseptic", new mild and efficient ingredients are becoming more and more popular.

Ingredient Analysis

1,2-Hexanediol

Function: Moisturizer + Antibacterial Auxiliary Agent

1,2-Hexanediol is a transparent polyol ingredient with both moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It is widely used in preservative-free or low-preservative formulas and is the first choice for many "sensitive skin-friendly" products.

Features:

Moisturizing but not greasy, suitable for all skin types

Has a certain broad-spectrum antibacterial ability, can inhibit the growth of bacteria and yeast

Reduces dependence on traditional irritating preservatives (such as phenoxyethanol)

In wet wipes liquid, it not only keeps the skin moisturized, but also "reduces the burden" of the preservative system.

1,2-Pentanediol

Function: Moisturizer + Solvent + Antibacterial Agent

1,2-Pentanediol is another highly effective dual-functional ingredient. Similar to 1,2-hexanediol, it also has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, but it is slightly shorter in structure and feels fresher on the skin.

Features:

Increases the softness and smoothness of the skin surface

Improve the solubility and permeability of other active ingredients

Enhances the stability of preservative formulas at low concentrations

Adding 1,2-pentanediol to the wet wipes liquid not only improves the skin feel, but also improves the overall synergistic antibacterial power of the formula system.

Ethylhexylglycerin

Function: Preservative agent + Skin conditioner

Ethylhexylglycerin is a natural ingredient derived from glycerin. It is often used with other antibacterial agents and is a star raw material in "preservative-free" concept products.

Features:

High safety, suitable for babies or sensitive skin

Mild antibacterial, especially effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans

It can also improve skin feel, making wet wipes liquid smoother and skin-friendly

It is usually paired with 1,2-hexanediol or 1,2-pentanediol to form a mild but highly effective antibacterial system.

Phenethyl Alcohol

Function: antibacterial agent + aroma blender

Phenethyl Alcohol is a naturally derived aromatic alcohol ingredient that has both aromatic and antibacterial properties and is often used in natural or "preservative-free" cosmetics.

Features:

Derived from plants (such as roses), the smell is mild and pleasant

Strong antibacterial spectrum, inhibiting bacteria and molds

Often used together with ethylhexylglycerin to build a natural preservative system

In wet wipes liquid, it adds a touch of natural fragrance to the formula while improving the overall preservative stability

"Golden Combination" of Synergistic Formulas

In modern wet wipes formula design, the above four ingredients are often used in combination to build a mild, safe and efficient antibacterial moisturizing system:

1,2-Hexanediol + Ethylhexylglycerin: Mild antibacterial, moisturizing skin care, suitable for sensitive skin

1,2-Pentanediol + Parahydroxyacetophenone: Enhanced preservative efficiency, improved liquid stability and skin feel

Synergy of the four: Effectively replace traditional parabens or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, more suitable for wet wipes liquid formulas for high-demand areas such as infants, pregnant women, and faces

Summary: These ingredients make wet wipes safer

Ingredient name Main function Suitable for people/features

1,2-Hexanediol Moisturizing, antibacterial Sensitive skin, baby care wet wipes

1,2-Pentanediol Moisturizing, penetration aid Refreshing formula, oily or mixed skin

Ethylhexylglycerin Antibacterial, conditioning Low-irritation formula, no preservative concept product

Parahydroxyacetophenone Natural antibacterial, aromatic Natural skin care, plant-based formula