1,2-Hexanediol is widely used in various cosmetic applications such as hair conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants. It is involved in the modification of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, which is used for amino acid separation by micellar electrokinetic chromatography method. It is a moisturizing agent and plays a vital role in baby care products, bath products, eye makeup, cleansing products and skin care products. It is also used as an additive in liquid cleaning compositions. Acute and chronic toxicities of 1,2-Hexanediol were generally lower than those of methylparaben. The antimicrobial activity of 1,2-Hexanediol against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was potentiated with food-grade antimicrobials including xanthorrhizol, macelignan, panduratin A and octyl gallate, which have already been reported to display anti-inflammatory and other beneficial activities related to cosmetics. Therefore, the combination of 1,2-Hexanediol and these food-grade antimicrobial agents would have benefits not only for increasing the antimicrobial activity but also in cosmetics use.