Hexamidine Diisethionate: A Highly Effective, Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Agent and Preservative

General Description

Hexamidine diisethionate is a highly effective and versatile ingredient that can serve as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in a wide range of cosmetic applications. It has exceptional skin and mucous membrane tolerability, making it safe for use on all age groups. Its recommended dosage ranges from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on its intended use. Hexamidine diisethionate can effectively treat harmful microorganisms on the skin surface and is particularly useful for oily or acne-prone skin. With its high safety, efficacy, and skin tolerability, Hexamidine diisethionate is a highly sought-after antibacterial agent for treating various skin conditions, including acne.

Figure 1. Hexamidine diisethionate

Efficacy

Hexamidine diisethionate is an effective broad-spectrum and multi-functional preservative that can be used in various cosmetic applications. As a preservative, it has been shown to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms. It is important to conduct microbiological testing to confirm the absence of incompatibility, select appropriate doses, and determine whether other preservatives are needed when using Bioactive HD 100 as a cosmetic preservative. In addition to its use as a preservative, Hexamidine diisethionate is also an effective antimicrobial agent for topical formulations. A concentration of 0.10% can be used to treat harmful microorganisms on the skin surface. Bioactive HD 100 can be used to care for oily skin prone to acne, seborrheic skin, scalp conditions such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, and as an ingredient in deodorant products. Overall, Hexamidine diisethionate is a versatile and effective ingredient that can provide both preservation and antimicrobial benefits in a wide range of cosmetic applications. When used properly and in appropriate doses, it can help ensure the safety and efficacy of cosmetic products while also providing additional benefits for the skin and scalp. ¹

Advantages

Hexamidine diisethionate is a highly effective antibacterial agent that stands out due to its exceptional skin and mucous membrane tolerability. It has a high safety factor when compared to other antibacterial agents and can tolerate sebum in the skin, making it an effective indirect skin anti-irritant. Additionally, Hexamidine diisethionate does not contain any free or bound formaldehyde, making it safe and well-tolerated by the skin and mucous membranes, with a high safety and efficacy profile.  Hexamidine diisethionate maintains its antimicrobial activity even in the presence of high levels of skin secretions, especially in oily or acne-prone skin. It has potent antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause acne (Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis), as well as anaerobic bacteria and fungi associated with acne, which indirectly contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects.  What sets Hexamidine diisethionate apart is its ability to be safely used on infants, children, adolescents, and adults, making it a rare product that can be recommended for use on all age groups. Its high safety, efficacy, and skin tolerability make it a highly sought-after antibacterial agent for treating various skin conditions, including acne. ²

Dosage

Hexamidine diisethionate is a commonly used antimicrobial agent for the skin, with a recommended dosage of 0.10%. It is also used as a preservative, with a dosage ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%. Bioactive HD 100, which contains Hexamidine diisethionate, is soluble in water at 80°C and in propylene glycol at 60°C. It is also soluble in ethanol but insoluble in oils and fats. To incorporate Bioactive HD 100 into a formulation, it should be added to preheated water at 80°C while stirring to ensure complete dissolution. Alternatively, it can be added in the form of a propylene glycol solution. This method is recommended for formulations containing anionic emulsifiers, alkyl glucoside, or sucrose esters as non-ionic emulsifiers. In summary, Hexamidine diisethionate is a versatile antimicrobial agent that can be used both as a preservative and for its antimicrobial properties. Its recommended dosage ranges from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on its intended use. To properly incorporate it into a formulation, it should be added to preheated water at 80°C or in the form of a propylene glycol solution, depending on the other ingredients in the formulation. ²

Reference

1. Parisi N, Paz-Alvarez M, Matts PJ, Lever R, Hadgraft J, Lane ME. Topical delivery of hexamidine. Int J Pharm. 2016;506(1-2):332-339.

2. Parisi N, Matts PJ, Lever R, Hadgraft J, Lane ME. Hexamidine salts - applications in skin health and personal care products. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2017;39(4):361-365.