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Moumoujus

CHLORHEXIDINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE.

Valuable CAS 3697-42-5 / ANTIMICROBIAL, ORAL CARE, PRESERVATIVE

Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride is a powerful cationic antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. It primarily acts by disrupting microbial cell membranes.

Summary

Antimicrobial Oral Care Preservative Antibacterial

Science

Mechanism of Action

Its positively charged cation binds to negatively charged microbial cell walls, disrupting membrane structure and causing leakage of intracellular components. This results in bacteriostatic effects at low concentrations and bactericidal cell death at higher levels.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.05–0.16%
Optimal

0.16%

Key findings

  1. 01 Achieves concentration-dependent bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations ≥0.05%.
  2. 02 Studies indicate efficacy in mouthwashes for plaque control, with concentrations up to 0.3% demonstrating superior results.
  3. 03 Topical application of 0.5% to canine skin provides sufficient and sustained antibacterial effects without impairing the skin barrier.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.16%
Red flag below
0.17%

While bactericidal effects are observed from 0.05%, the CIR Expert Panel recommends a maximum concentration of 0.16% for cosmetic products. Concentrations exceeding this, such as those used in some medical or oral care applications (0.2-0.5% or higher), are considered red flags for cosmetic use due to heightened risks of irritation and severe adverse reactions.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Aqueous solutions are most stable between pH 5-7; activity declines under more acidic conditions and precipitation occurs at pH > 7. High temperatures and alkaline pH increase p-chloroaniline degradation.

Conflicts

  • Anionic materials (e.g., soaps, detergents, polymers)
  • Carbomer
  • Acrylates/C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
  • EDTA
  • Triethanolamine

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.16%
Sensitization risk High

The CIR Expert Panel limits cosmetic use to 0.16% due to safety. The FDA warns of rare but serious allergic reactions and chemical/thermal burns with higher concentrations, also advising against use in infants under 2 months.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, valuable for targeted treatments at concentrations strictly limited to 0.16% in cosmetics due to significant safety concerns and high irritancy.

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References

Sources