Chlorhexidine gluconate

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CAS 18472-51-0), commonly abbreviated as CHG and also known as chlorhexidine digluconate, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used across pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing. It delivers sustained bactericidal and antifungal activity, making it a preferred active ingredient in antiseptic and preservative formulations. In healthcare settings, CHG is the active ingredient in surgical scrubs.

It is used in pre-operative skin preparation products and wound care formulations. Oral care products such as prescription-strength mouth rinses rely on CHG for its substantive binding to oral mucosa. This provides prolonged antimicrobial action against plaque-forming bacteria. Personal care formulators incorporate it into hand sanitizers, intimate hygiene products, and medicated cleansers.

It is used where preservative efficacy and skin compatibility are both required. It also functions as a preservative in ophthalmic solutions and contact lens care products at low concentrations. Chlorhexidine gluconate is supplied primarily as an aqueous solution, with 20% and 5% concentrations being the most common commercial forms. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP standards.

The material is also available to BP and Ph. Eur. specifications. Bulk supply is standard for industrial and pharmaceutical buyers, with solution concentration being a key procurement parameter. Grade specification remains a critical factor for buyers in the chemical industry. These standards ensure the material meets the rigorous safety requirements for medical and consumer applications.