The Index · Polymeric biguanide preservative / antimicrobial

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Polymeric biguanide (PHMB family) used as a preservative/antimicrobial; Canadian Hotlist spray limits remain proposed, not automatic finals.

FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources2 cited

Polyaminopropyl biguanide (often discussed with PHMB / polyhexamethylene biguanide naming) appears in cosmetic preservative contexts and in Health Canada Hotlist proposal materials regarding concentration and spray/aerosol uses[1].

What it does

Antimicrobial / preservative function in formulations where permitted. Exact INCI naming and regulatory status must be checked against current regional lists[1].

The evidence

This draft does not invent a final Canadian Hotlist entry. Treat consultation language as proposed until a posted final Hotlist update exists[1].

How to use it

Verify the current Hotlist edition and product type (including sprays) before compliance claims. Alias note: PHMB naming varies; this slug covers the Polyaminopropyl Biguanide INCI string.

What it does in the formula

Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits

Polymeric biguanide (PHMB family) used as a preservative/antimicrobial; Canadian Hotlist spray limits remain proposed, not automatic finals.[1]

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Draft Index entry only. No invented regional limit or Hotlist status; consult cited CIR/SCCS/regulator sources before any safety claim.[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) programme materials. CIR (2015)regulator
[2]NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record (identity reference). PubChem (2024)other

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk