Chlorhexidine digluconate, also known as clorexidina or chlorhexidine gluconate solution, is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetic and personal care products like skin cleansers. It appears in the form of white crystalline powder and has a slightly bitter taste, but it is mostly odorless. Chlorhexidine digluconate is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including those that cause skin infections.
Origin
Chlorhexidine digluconate is synthesized from chlorhexidine base and gluconic acid through esterification. The resulting yellowish-brown, aqueous solution contains 20% chlorhexidine digluconate. The synthesis process is carefully controlled to ensure purity and quality of the final product.
Safety profile
Chlorhexidine digluconate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and therefore, it is always recommended to perform a patch test, especially on sensitive skin. Chlorhexidine digluconate is also unlikely to be comedogenic as it is not an oil-based ingredient, which is the primary cause of pore blockage. Being a synthetic compound, chlorhexidine digluconate can be considered vegan but it also depends on the source and production process of the ingredient.