Popular hygiene chemical chlorhexidine flagged by France over “serious allergic reactions”

05 Dec 2023 --- The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) sees increased reports of “serious allergic reactions” associated with chlorhexidine. The chemical is an antiseptic and disinfectant used in oral and skin care products to help reduce levels of germs.

Its brand names include Corsodyl, Covonia, Dermol, Savlon and Germolene.

Chlorhexidine is used widely in several products. As an antiseptic, it is found in skin care, mouthwashes, oral spray solutions, lozenges, eye drops andurological gels. It is also used as a preservative in hygiene products like toothpaste.

Risk of adverse reaction
ANSM flags the exposure of French people to this chemical increases sensitivity, and therefore, raises the risk of immediate and severe allergic reactions.

Although rare, reactions to chlorhexidine may include hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, or anaphylactic shock within one hour of use.

Allergic reactions can manifest as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; a rash accompanied by redness and itching; wheezing or difficulty breathing; a feeling of weakness and dizziness; metallic taste in the mouth or fainting.

Chlorhexidine is used as an antiseptic in oral care products.The organization advises against using it as a home disinfectant to avoid immediate risk.

Chlorhexidine digluconate: “Miracle ingredient”
Despite ANSM’s warning, chlorhexidine has been widely used and has been deemed to be safe in personal care. According to research in Science Direct journal, chlorhexidine is used in three forms: Digluconate, hydrochloride and acetate. 

“Chlorhexidine is available as a mouth rinse (0.2%), gel (1%), spray (0.2%), toothpaste (1%), root canal irrigant (2%), varnishes and periodontal chips used as a local antimicrobial agent. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is recommended for short-term use in various clinical situations,” it details.

Meanwhile, chlorhexidine digluconate is used in personal care products to clean the skin. It comes in a white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste and is odorless, shares SpecialChem.

“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,” notes the material selection platform. 

The “miracle ingredient” is used in skin care cleansers, toners and acne treatments to control bacteria and prevent infection, alongside skin healing purposes.

Preventing dandruff and scalp infections are other benefits of chlorhexidine digluconate, used in shampoos, conditioners and hair styling products, shares SpecialChem.

To bring ingredient transparency, several industry associations recently teamed up to launch Cosmile Europe, an app providing access to thousands of cosmetic ingredients and associated allergies confirmed by experts.

By Venya Patel