The Anti-Dandruff Powerhouse | Hexamidine diisethionate (HP100)
Publish Time:
2025-08-04
The Anti-Dandruff Powerhouse | Hexamidine diisethionate (HP100)
Next-Gen Anti-Dandruff & Anti-Itch Agent with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Power
— Hexamidine diisethionate (HP100)
Following our last article on scalp health and dandruff, which drew significant attention, we’d like to introduce another powerful dandruff-fighting ingredient from our portfolio: Hexamidine diisethionate (HP100) (INCI: Hexamidine diisethionate (HP100)), a new-generation anti-dandruff and anti-itch solution.
⭐ Common Anti-Dandruff Agents in the Market
- Salicylic Acid
Effective for oily scalps with anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties, but may cause irritation due to its acidic nature. - Climbazole
Broad-spectrum antifungal, commonly used in anti-dandruff shampoos, soaps, body washes, toothpaste, and mouthwash. - Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT)
Highly effective against Malassezia fungi but limited by safety and environmental concerns. Banned in the EU since 2022. - Piroctone Olamine (OCT)
Reduces dandruff and itching by targeting microbial causes rather than just removing flakes. Offers superior performance compared to similar ingredients. - Ketoconazole
Potent antifungal, suitable for severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Medicinal in nature, not for daily cosmetic use. - Selenium Sulfide
Fast-acting anti-dandruff agent with strong effects but also strong irritation potential. Not recommended for inflamed or damaged skin. - Hexamidine diisethionate (HP100)
A water-soluble, cationic compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Highly effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeast — all while being exceptionally gentle on the skin.
Introducing HP100 – Hexamidine Diisethionate
A New-Generation Anti-Dandruff & Anti-Acne Active with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Power
Hexamidine Diisethionate (HP100) is a water-soluble salt derived from the neutralization of an organic base (hexamidine) and isethionic acid. As a next-generation anti-dandruff and anti-itch agent, HP100 exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it highly effective against bacteria, molds, and yeasts. Its mildness and versatility have led to increasing adoption across the cosmetics industry.
💡 Why Do We Get Dandruff?
The scalp renews its keratinocytes approximately every 28 days. During this cycle, dead cells shed off as flakes—commonly known as dandruff. While dandruff is often physiological, excessive shedding may indicate seborrheic dermatitis, which is strongly linked to the yeast-like fungus Malassezia.
Malassezia metabolizes sebum into free fatty acids such as oleic acid, which disrupts scalp barrier function and accelerates flaking.
Our scalp's keratinocytes are replaced and renewed approximately every 28 days, producing a large amount of dead skin cells during metabolism, commonly known as dandruff. Dandruff is very common, but when it is secreted in excess beyond the physiological range, it can develop into "seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp," which is often closely related to the fungus "Malsezezia."
Malassezia is a single-celled fungus belonging to the yeast family. It feeds on fatty acids broken down from sebum, metabolizing them to produce large amounts of free fatty acids, including oleic acid. Oleic acid interferes with the metabolism of keratin in the scalp, leading to the formation of dandruff.
Hexamidine Diisethionate (HP100) is a new type of anti-dandruff and antipruritic agent. Due to its unique structure, it has a very strong killing effect on Malassezia (Pityrosporum ovale) that causes dandruff.
Key Benefit I: Powerful Anti-Dandruff & Anti-Itch Effects
- Demonstrates strong efficacy against Malassezia spp.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC): 12.5 μg/mL
- Minimum Microbicidal Concentration (MMC): 100 μg/mL
- Its cationic nature allows it to adsorb to the hair shaft, enhancing both the strength and long-lasting performance of its anti-dandruff effects — a unique property not seen in most conventional anti-dandruff agents.
- Clinical dermatological studies show that shampoo formulations containing 0.1% Hexamidine Diisethionate significantly reduce Malassezia density per unit area of scalp, leading to a clear improvement in dandruff severity.
- Easy to formulate – fully water-soluble, no sedimentation, no suspension required.
- Non-discoloring – does not cause product or hair staining.
- Safe and gentle – minimal irritation to eyes and suitable for leave-on application on scalp and skin.
- Versatile applications – compatible with shampoos, conditioners, and leave-on spray formulations.
Key Benefit II: Effective Anti-Acne Performance
In addition to its anti-dandruff use, Hexamidine Diisethionate also demonstrates excellent antimicrobial properties against acne-associated microorganisms, including:
- Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes)
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Anaerobic bacteria and fungi linked to acne development
Key mechanisms and advantages:
- Inhibits lipase activity of C. acnes, reducing inflammation caused by lipid degradation
- Shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against acne-related strains
- Maintains performance in the presence of skin secretions, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin
Product Applications
01. Hair Care Products
- Anti-dandruff
- Oil control
- Anti-itch and scalp soothing
02. Skincare Products
- Anti-acne
- Treatment of pimples and blemishes
03. Other Applications
- Deodorizing: Effectively eliminates unpleasant odors
- Personal hygiene products: Wet wipes, hand sanitizers, cleansing gels
- Preservative function: Strong broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity enhances product preservation
For detailed formula and sample request, please reach us email:marketing@congenpharm.com
