Ingredient dictionary

Chlorhexidine Digluconate

Also listed as: Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Chlorhexidine Digluconate is a man-made antimicrobial salt that helps keep products free of bacteria and other microbes during storage. It is on the label of 7 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Chlorhexidine Digluconate does

Keeps bacteria from growing in the formula
Helps protect the product over its shelf life
Adds antiseptic action to some products

Chlorhexidine Digluconate is a synthetic molecule, made in a lab rather than taken from plants or animals. It belongs to a family called biguanides. The digluconate form is a salt made with gluconic acid, which helps it dissolve easily in water.

Formulators add it to water-based products to slow the growth of bacteria and other microbes, which helps a formula last longer. It works at low levels and is positively charged, so it clings to microbial cell walls and disrupts them. Because it is used in small amounts, it usually has little effect on texture or scent.

Good for

Suits people who want a body lotion or hair color that stays well protected from microbes over time.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chlorhexidine Digluconate safe to use on skin?

It is used in small amounts and is generally well tolerated. Like many preservatives, it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in a few people. If your skin is sensitive, or you have reacted to products before, test a new product on a small area first.

Why is it used in hair color?

Hair color is a water-based mix, so it can allow microbes to grow if nothing protects it. Chlorhexidine Digluconate helps keep the formula clean while it sits in the bottle. It does not color hair. The dyes do that job.