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.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A preservative that fights bacteria and may support clearer-looking skin.
Category
Preservative, Acne
Type
Preservative

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

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.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments as a preservative and adjunct in anti-blemish products at low use levels.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

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.

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.

Products with Hexamidine Diisethionate

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