title: Hexamidine salts - applications in skin health and personal care products.
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.
authors.affiliation: UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5774-7859
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Parisi
authors.affiliation: Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd, London Innovation Centre, Whitehall Lane Egham Surrey, TW20 9NW, UK.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Matts
authors.affiliation: UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lever
authors.affiliation: UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hadgraft
authors.affiliation: UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D001550:Benzamidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D003358:Cosmetics; D006801:Humans; D012492:Salts / Q000737:chemistry; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001550:Benzamidines; D003358:Cosmetics; D012492:Salts; C018961:hexamidine
keywords: biocide; formulation; hexamidine; protease inhibitor; salt; skin