What Is Hexamidine Diisethionate and How Is It Used in Cosmetics?

Introduction: The Evolution of Cosmetic Preservation

 

Hexamidine diisethionate has become one of the most progressive antimicrobial actives in today’s cosmetic and personal-care formulations. As consumer demand for safer, milder, and more transparent ingredient systems continues to rise, formulators face constant challenges in ensuring both product safety and long-term stability. Traditional preservatives such as parabens and formaldehyde donors are gradually being replaced by multifunctional compounds that offer reliable microbial control together with added skin benefits.

 

Within this shift, hexamidine diisethionate stands out as a scientifically validated, high-purity ingredient that provides broad-spectrum efficacy while supporting skin balance and product integrity. Its molecular design demonstrates how modern cosmetic preservation combines effectiveness, safety, and superior sensory performance—standards increasingly expected across global beauty markets.

 

As a cosmetics raw powder manufacturer, XI AN CHEN LANG BIO TECH supply bulk and wholesale hexamidine isethionate powder in global market, let’s learn more information about this powder together.

 

 

 

Chemical Structure and Molecular Characteristics

 

Hexamidine diisethionate is the di-isethionate salt of a diamidine derivative containing two amidine functional groups connected by a flexible aliphatic chain. Molecular formula: C22H32N4O6S, and Molecular weight: 606.709. This molecular architecture enables strong electrostatic interaction with negatively charged microbial membranes. The cationic nature of the molecule disrupts the membrane potential, leading to leakage of intracellular components and inhibition of microbial proliferation.

 

In its di-isethionate salt form, Hexamidine exhibits markedly improved aqueous solubility compared to its hydrochloride analogue, enabling easier incorporation into emulsions, serums, and surfactant systems. The compound’s stability profile remains robust across a wide pH range (4.5–8.0), which provides formulators with flexibility for both leave-on and rinse-off applications. Its white crystalline powder form is odorless and compatible with most cosmetic raw materials, making it suitable for formulations targeting sensitive skin or minimalist “clean beauty” labels.

 

Mechanism of Antimicrobial Action of Hexamidine Diisethionate Powder

 

Unlike conventional preservatives that rely on reactive chemistry, it exerts its activity through physical and ionic disruption. The molecule attaches to microbial membranes via electrostatic forces, altering their permeability and resulting in rapid bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, common contaminants and skin microflora associated with acne and scalp disorders.

 

Furthermore, studies have shown that Hexamidine’s amphiphilic balance allows limited penetration into biofilms, which enhances its effectiveness in formulations where microbial resilience is typically high. The absence of strong oxidative or reactive functional groups also minimizes risk of ingredient degradation and maintains color and fragrance integrity within finished products.

 

Applications in Modern Cosmetic Formulation

 

1. Skin Care and Dermatological Products

 

In facial creams, gels, and serums, this compound serves dual functionality: maintaining microbiological stability and delivering mild antimicrobial support to the skin surface. It is especially valued in formulations targeting blemish-prone, oily, or sensitive skin, where microbial imbalance can trigger irritation or inflammation.

 

When combined with niacinamide, zinc salts, or soothing botanical extracts, Hexamidine contributes to visibly clearer and more balanced skin without the dryness or stinging often associated with aggressive preservatives. Its low irritation potential makes it compatible with dermatological lines claiming “tested for sensitive skin” or “dermatologist-approved” performance.

 

2. Scalp and Hair Care Systems

 

Hexamidine Diisethionate has proven efficacy in scalp-care formulations such as anti-dandruff shampoos and sebum-regulating lotions. Its action on Malassezia species helps maintain scalp microbiome balance while reducing itch and flaking. Because it binds lightly to keratin, residual activity persists after rinsing, supporting long-lasting freshness and microbial control. For premium hair-care brands, this offers a cleaner label alternative to zinc pyrithione while maintaining comparable performance.

3. Deodorants and Hygiene Products

 

In deodorant formulations, the ingredient acts as a mild, non-sensitising antimicrobial that suppresses odor-causing bacteria without disrupting the skin’s natural flora. It is also used in feminine hygiene products, body washes, and foot sprays where high antimicrobial efficacy must coexist with minimal irritation risk.

 

4. Product Preservation Systems

 

Beyond direct antimicrobial benefits, it can partially replace or synergize with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, or ethylhexylglycerin. This allows formulators to design balanced preservation systems that remain effective under global regulatory concentration limits. The synergistic combinations often enable total preservative reduction while maintaining required challenge-test performance—an important advantage for brands pursuing “low-preservative” positioning.

 

Benefits for Cosmetic Brands and Formulators

 

Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Active against bacteria, yeasts, and molds, ensuring robust protection for emulsions, gels, and aqueous formulations.

 

High Stability and Compatibility: Resistant to hydrolysis and oxidation; suitable across a broad pH range and compatible with most surfactant systems.

 

Mildness and Safety: Demonstrated low irritation and sensitization potential, ideal for sensitive-skin lines and infant formulations.

 

Functional Duality: Provides both preservation and skin-conditioning effects, enabling marketing claims such as “preservative-plus-performance.”

 

Regulatory Compliance: Approved for use in major markets (EU, USA, China, Japan) typically up to 0.1 %, simplifying global rollout.

 

Sustainability and Perception: Free from parabens, formaldehyde donors, and isothiazolinones; aligns with clean-label and eco-conscious consumer trends.

 

For suppliers like CHEN LANG BIO TECH, these features allow positioning hexamidine diisethionate not only as a raw material but as a technical solution for safe, effective, and market-differentiated formulations.

 

Formulation Considerations

 

Optimal performance depends on precise integration within the formulation matrix:

 

Concentration Range: 0.05~0.10 % is typically sufficient for broad antimicrobial protection. For complex systems or high contamination risk, synergy with multifunctional humectants or glycols is recommended.

 

Solubility and Process: The ingredient dissolves readily in water; it should be introduced during the aqueous phase below 80 °C to maintain molecular integrity.

 

Compatibility: Avoid high levels of anionic surfactants that may neutralize cationic activity; amphoteric or nonionic systems are preferred.

 

pH Management: Best efficacy between pH 4.5~7.5; outside this range, antimicrobial performance may decline.

 

Sensory and Stability: Unlike certain organic acids, hexamidine diisethionate imparts no odor or color, preserving the sensory profile of premium formulations.

 

Formulators can further enhance efficacy through combinations with chelating agents (disodium EDTA) or glycols (propylene glycol, butylene glycol) that improve preservative distribution throughout the matrix.

 

Safety Evaluation and Regulatory Overview

 

Extensive toxicological evaluation has confirmed hexamidine diisethionate’s favorable safety profile. In dermal irritation and sensitization studies, the ingredient exhibited negligible adverse reactions even under exaggerated exposure conditions. Genotoxicity, phototoxicity, and chronic exposure studies revealed no evidence of systemic toxicity.

 

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) both conclude that hexamidine diisethionate is safe for cosmetic use at concentrations up to 0.10 %. This ceiling provides a clear regulatory framework for formulators worldwide.

 

Its inclusion in the EU Cosmetic Regulation Annex V and positive assessment by the US FDA Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program further reinforce its acceptance. Suppliers such as ChenLangBio ensure that all batches meet pharmacopeial-grade purity and that residual solvents or contaminants (including 1,4-dioxane) remain well below allowable limits, providing customers with full documentation packages—TDS, COA, and MSDS—for global compliance.

 

Market Outlook and Strategic Value

 

The global transition toward safer, more transparent preservation systems creates a strong commercial opportunity for Hexamidine Diisethionate. The compound satisfies multiple market drivers: clean-label preference, sensitivity claims, multifunctionality, and global regulatory acceptance.

 

Demand is rising in high-value segments such as dermatological skin care, scalp therapy, and premium body care. Because the ingredient can support both technical performance and marketing narratives, it offers manufacturers a strategic route to reformulate legacy products without sacrificing efficacy.

 

CHEN LANG BIO TECH, as a professional botanical and functional ingredient supplier, provides cosmetic-grade hexamidine diisethionate produced under ISO, Halal, and BRC certifications. Our team ensures consistent quality, batch traceability, and technical support for formulation design and microbial challenge testing. Through collaboration with R&D teams worldwide, we assist partners in developing safer, more stable, and commercially successful cosmetic powder lines.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Hexamidine diisethionate exemplifies the modern evolution of cosmetic ingredient innovation—where scientific precision meets commercial practicality. Its dual function as an antimicrobial preservative and skin-care active provides formulators with a highly efficient path toward safer, cleaner, and more stable cosmetic systems. Backed by robust toxicological data, broad formulation compatibility, and increasing consumer trust, it stands as a key solution for next-generation preservation strategies.

 

At  CHEN LANG BIO TECH, we supply high-purity cosmetic-grade hexamidine diisethionate manufactured under ISO, Halal, and BRC certifications. Each batch is supported by a complete documentation package (TDS, COA, MSDS) and consistent global supply reliability. Our technical team collaborates closely with formulators to optimize concentration, synergy, and product stability for every formulation type—from premium skin-care to scalp and hygiene systems.

 

👉 Contact our formulation experts today to request a quotation, obtain detailed technical data, or discuss customized solutions for your next product launch.

 

Email: admin@chenlangbio.com

 

Whatsapp: +86-17782478823

 

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