Hexamidine Diisethionate is a preservative, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent extensively used in cosmetics and personal care products. It prevents bacterial and fungal growth in formulations as well as fights off acne-causing bacteria on the skin. This synthetic ingredient is often used alongside other preservatives to enhance its effectiveness in improving the shelf life of beauty formulations. Hexamidine Diisethionate is ideal for sensitive skin to reduce redness or irritation, especially in eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin. In its raw form, Hexamidine Diisethionate appears as a white or light-yellow crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Its chemical formula is C24H38N4O10S.
Products with HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE
With samples available
Imdermalab® V-Equib
by Brenntag Beauty & Personal Care
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
Hexamidine Diisethionate (Lemerry Biotech)
by Beijing Lemerry Biotech
What is HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE used for?
Hexamidine Diisethionate helps control the growth of bacteria, particularly acne-causing and odor-causing microbes - making it ideal for use in acne treatments, facial cleansers, toners, and deodorants. Its gentle action makes it suitable for sensitive and irritated skin, where it can help reduce redness and discomfort. Hexamidine Diisethionate also works as a preservative booster, enhancing the effectiveness of other preservatives. Because it is water-soluble and has low irritation potential, it is commonly found in both leave-on and rinse-off formulations for daily skincare. Although rarely used in hair care, Hexamidine Diisethionate can work as a preservative in shampoos and conditioners. It may also reduce scalp inflammation and bacterial imbalance, which lead to dandruff, itchiness, and irritation.
Origin
Hexamidine Diisethionate is made by reacting hexamidine base, a synthetic diamidine compound, with diisethionic acid to form a stable salt. This salt form enhances solubility and skin compatibility, making it suitable for cosmetic formulations. It is interesting to note that Hexamidine Diisethionate has roots in the pharmaceutical industry, where it was used for wound healing.
What does HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE do in a formulation?
ANTIMICROBIAL|
EMOLLIENT|
PRESERVATIVE|
ANTIDANDRUFFSafety Profile
Hexamidine Diisethionate is safe for cosmetic use and has a low irritation potential. It is well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and inflamed skin. Its non-sensitizing and non-comedogenic formula makes it ideal for daily use. However, Hexamidine Diisethionate may cause mild irritation if used in high concentrations or on damaged skin. Performing a patch test is advised prior to full application.
HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE alternatives
HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
Boiling Point | 729ºC |
pH | 5.0 - 6.5 |
Solubility | Sparingly soluble in water |
Viscosity | Low |