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Hexamidine salts – applications in skin health and personal care products
Author(s) -
Parisi N.,
Matts P. J.,
Lever R.,
Hadgraft J.,
Lane M. E.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of cosmetic science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1468-2494
pISSN - 0142-5463
DOI - 10.1111/ics.12392
Subject(s) - transepidermal water loss , stratum corneum , chemistry , corneocyte , preservative , skin care , permeation , protease , chromatography , biochemistry , pharmacology , enzyme , organic chemistry , medicine , membrane , pathology
Abstract Hexamidine (HEX) has been used as a preservative in topical preparations since the 1950s. A number of studies also indicate that the molecule plays a beneficial role in skin homoeostasis. In this review, we describe the physicochemical properties of hexamidine diisethionate (HEX D) and the corresponding hydrochloride salt (HEX H). The biocidal and protease inhibition properties of HEX are outlined as well as the effects of HEX on lipid processing enzymes, corneocyte maturity, stratum corneum thickness and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Skin permeation properties of HEX D and HEX H are summarized, and formulation approaches for effective dermal targeting of HEX are discussed.