What Is Cyclohexanone?
Cyclohexanone is a clear oily liquid that belongs to the ketone family of organic compounds. It comes from petroleum sources and has a distinct mild sweet smell. Chemically it is made of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring with a double bonded oxygen, giving it the formula C6H10O. Commercial production usually starts with cyclohexane that is partially oxidized, or with phenol that is hydrogenated, then purified through distillation to meet cosmetic grade standards.
First introduced to industry in the early 1900s as a versatile solvent, cyclohexanone found its way into cosmetics when formulators noticed its ability to dissolve fragrance oils and certain resins more effectively than many other liquids. By the mid 20th century it appeared in perfumes and aerosol products, helping disperse scent evenly and creating a smooth spray. Today you are most likely to see it in fine fragrances, body mists, hair sprays, nail polish removers and occasionally in specialty creams where a fast-evaporating solvent is needed.
Cyclohexanone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care formulas cyclohexanone serves two main roles that improve product performance.
- Perfuming: It helps blend and carry fragrance ingredients so the final scent smells balanced and lingers on skin or hair.
- Solvent: It dissolves oils, resins and other raw materials, creating a uniform mixture that applies smoothly and dries quickly without residue.
Who Can Use Cyclohexanone
Because cyclohexanone is mainly a carrier for fragrance and a fast-evaporating solvent, it suits most skin types including oily, dry and combination skin. Normal use levels in finished products are low and the ingredient itself does not clog pores or leave an oily film, so it rarely troubles acne-prone users. That said, people with very sensitive or compromised skin may notice mild stinging or redness if a formula contains a high solvent load so they should proceed with extra care.
The material is produced from petroleum sources rather than animal sources which makes it acceptable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived processing aids are used during standard cosmetic-grade purification.
Current safety data show no direct link between topical cyclohexanone and harm to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used at the small percentages found in cosmetics. Still, this article is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any product they plan to use past a qualified health professional to be on the safe side.
Cyclohexanone does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it does not interfere with common sun-care ingredients. It is also odorless once it evaporates so it will not clash with sunscreen fragrances applied afterward.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical cyclohexanone vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation – transient redness or stinging, usually in people with very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis – rare cases of rash or itching due to individual allergy
- Dryness – the solvent action can strip surface oils if the overall formula lacks moisturizers
- Eye irritation – watering or burning if a spray mist gets into the eyes
- Enhanced penetration of actives – by increasing absorption of other ingredients it may inadvertently boost their irritation potential
If any of the above effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. Cyclohexanone is a lightweight volatile solvent that flashes off the skin quickly, so it does not linger long enough to mix with sebum or block pores. Its structure lacks the fatty chains and waxes that commonly trigger breakouts.
For this reason it is generally considered safe for acne-prone or congestion-prone skin.
Its rapid evaporation can even reduce the overall heaviness of a formula, potentially lowering the comedogenic load of the final product.
Summary
Cyclohexanone serves two main roles: it acts as a solvent that dissolves oils and resins for a smooth, even product and it supports perfuming by carrying and balancing fragrance molecules before evaporating cleanly.
While not a headline ingredient, it shows up in select fragrance bases, body mists and hair sprays where its fast-drying nature is prized. You are less likely to see it in everyday moisturizers or serums.
At the low levels used in cosmetics it has a solid safety record with minimal risk for most users. Still, giving any new product a quick patch test is a smart step to confirm your own skin’s comfort.