Snapshot
- Overview
- A preservative that fights bacteria and may support clearer-looking skin.
- Category
- Preservative, Acne
- Type
- Preservative
Hexamidine Diisethionate
A water-soluble cationic diamidine salt supplied as hexamidine diisethionate for cosmetic preservation. It's used to inhibit microbial growth in formulas and is sometimes included in clarifying products at low levels to support a cleaner-looking complexion.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Hexamidine Diisethionate a Good Ingredient?
It's Fair because it's an effective preservative with useful ancillary antimicrobial benefits, but the skin-clarifying effect is modest, and it can irritate, especially on compromised skin, which limits the rating.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Maintains product freshness by suppressing microbial growth. In some clarifying formulas it can support a less congested look, but it may irritate sensitive skin.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Found in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments as a preservative and adjunct in anti-blemish products at low use levels.
Before you use it
Safety
May cause irritation or dryness, particularly in leave-on formats or on compromised skin; avoid eye and mucous membrane contact. In the EU it is permitted as a preservative up to 0.1% when used as directed.
Products with Hexamidine Diisethionate
