Specimen No. 0206
CautionSyntheticantisepticcosmetic preservative
Chlorhexidine (digluconate)
CAS 18472-51-0 · Chlorhexidine digluconate · Chlorhexidine gluconate · CHG
A broad-spectrum antiseptic and cosmetic preservative that, though usually well tolerated, is an established cause of contact allergy and rare life-threatening anaphylaxis.
high confidence
Researched July 7, 2026Specimen 0206Chlorhexidine (digluconate)
Concerns
- As exposure has become more widespread, adverse reactions to chlorhexidine have increased and range from mild irritant contact dermatitis to life-threatening anaphylaxis, with allergic contact dermatitis in some cases preceding anaphylaxis (Silvestri 2013, PMID 23665831)
- A case of severe perioperative contact anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine skin antisepsis was confirmed by elevated serum tryptase together with positive skin tests and chlorhexidine-specific IgE (Sandoval Morales 2025, PMID 40861673)
Regulatory flags
- ⚑IARC Class: NL
- ⚑EDC Status: Not established
- ⚑Regulatory: US FDA: 2017 warning on rare serious allergic reactions/anaphylaxis; EU: permitted preservative (Annex V, up to 0.3%)
- ⚑Evidence Grade: B
Commonly found in
Antiseptic skin cleanserMouthwashSurgical scrubWound washPreservative in cosmetics
Sources & references
Last researched: July 7, 2026
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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