Polihexanide

Polihexanide (CAS 32289-58-0) is a polymeric biguanide biocide, also known by trade names Cosmocil, Lavasept, and BG 1, and abbreviated as PHMB. It carries no assigned E-code. The compound is registered under EC 608-723-9 and is subject to REACH regulation within the European Union.

In water treatment, polihexanide disrupts bacterial cell membranes at low concentrations, making it effective for pool sanitation and cooling water systems. In wound care and surgical antisepsis, it is formulated into irrigating solutions and wound dressings, where it acts against a broad spectrum of bacteria without significant cytotoxicity at therapeutic concentrations.

Polihexanide is available in solid form and as aqueous concentrate grades suited to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Relevant standards include Ph.Eur. monograph requirements for pharmaceutical-grade material. Suppliers typically offer documentation supporting REACH compliance, and packaging formats range from laboratory quantities to bulk industrial supply.