Chlorhexidine Digluconate

Good

Preservative

No known benefits

Chlorhexidine Digluconate at a glance

  • Preservative used in cosmetics to prevent contamination, particularly in water-based formulas
  • Helps thwart unwanted odors changes within the formulation
  • Deemed safe in concentrations of 0.2% or lower
  • Clear, pale yellow liquid in raw material form
  • Also used in the medical field as a disinfectant

Chlorhexidine Digluconate description

Chlorhexidine digluconate is a preservative used in cosmetics to prevent contamination, particularly in water-based formulas. It also helps thwart unwanted odors changes within the formulation. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed chlorhexidine digluconate safe in concentrations of 0.2% or lower, which is within the typical usage levels suggested by cosmetic suppliers of this ingredient. It has weak activity against fungi and is not compatible in formulas that contain carbomers, gums, and soap ingredients. Chlorhexidine digluconate is a clear, pale yellow liquid in raw material form. Chlorhexidine digluconate is also used in the medical field as a disinfectant, particularly to sanitize pre-surgical sites of skin.

Chlorhexidine Digluconate references

  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed December 2022, ePublication
  • SpecialChem (supplier info), Accessed December 2022, ePublication
  • European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, February 2021, pages 77-87
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2011, pages 73S-127S

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.