Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Tel: +86 13962653966 | Email： sales@szeasychem.com
Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB), also known as Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (PAPB), is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that has become one of the most trusted preservation and disinfectant technologies worldwide. With strong efficacy, outstanding safety, and regulatory acceptance across multiple industries, PHMB is widely used in personal care, home care, water treatment, medical, and industrial applications.
As consumer safety standards continue to rise, formulators increasingly look for reliable and mild preservation systems. This has prompted strong global demand for quality polyhexamethylene biguanide manufacturers and PHMB suppliers that can deliver consistent quality and compliance.
In this article, we will explain:
What PHMB is and how it works
Why PHMB is considered a safer and more advanced antimicrobial
Key applications and recommended usage levels
How to choose a trusted PHMB manufacturer or polyhexamethylene biguanide supplier
Our goal is to help you fully understand PHMB and guide you to the right purchasing decision.
PHMB is a cationic polymer biocide composed of repeating biguanide units. It provides powerful antimicrobial protection at very low dosages. The positive charge of PHMB allows it to strongly bind to negatively charged microbial cell membranes, leading to membrane disruption and cell death.
Key Characteristics of PHMB
| Property | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Broad-spectrum activity | Effective against bacteria, fungi, mold, and some viruses |
| Low toxicity | Safe for human skin, eyes, and mucous membranes |
| Mild and non-sensitizing | Suitable for sensitive skin formulations |
| Stable under wide pH range | Allows flexible formulation |
| Compatible with surfactants | Ideal for personal and home care products |
| Non-VOC, non-flammable | Safe for handling and transportation |
Due to its strong microbial control and safety profile, PHMB is widely approved in international cosmetic regulations, including EU Cosmetic Regulation, FDA cosmetic guidelines, ASEAN, and China regulations.
As demand grows, selecting a reliable polyhexamethylene biguanide supplier with good manufacturing capability is increasingly important for product performance and compliance.
PHMB selectively targets harmful microorganisms while being extremely safe to humans. It works in three major modes:
Electrostatic binding – PHMB is positively charged and attaches to negatively charged microbial walls
Cell membrane disruption – It damages the structure of cell membranes
Interference with DNA – It stops microbial cell division and reproduction
Because microbes cannot easily adapt to multiple modes of action, PHMB shows low resistance development, which is a significant advantage over traditional preservatives.
Compared with traditional preservatives (like parabens, MIT/CMIT, formaldehyde releasers), PHMB provides:
✔ Strong effectiveness with lower dosage
✔ No strong irritation or sensitization
✔ Excellent long-lasting protection
✔ Good compatibility with cosmetic ingredients
✔ Stable up to pH 3–12
This combination of mildness and performance has made PHMB the leading preservative solution in many modern product categories. Global brands are increasingly selecting PHMB for gentle yet reliable preservation.
If you are sourcing safe & compliant ingredients, partnering with a trustworthy PHMB supplier ensures consistent quality and regulatory support.
PHMB is extremely versatile, with applications covering personal care, household care, institutional disinfection, medical hygiene, and industrial treatment.
Used as a preservative or antimicrobial active in:
Skin care: lotions, creams, serums, toners
Wet wipes and baby wipes
Deo and footcare products
Eye products (e.g., cosmetic lens cleaners)
Haircare: shampoo, conditioner, scalp products
Typical dosage:
▪️ Preservative function: 0.05–0.3%
▪️ Antimicrobial active: 0.3–0.5%
PHMB is valued for its mildness, especially for baby and sensitive skin formulas.
PHMB provides strong microbial control in:
Disinfectant sprays and surface cleaners
Household wipes
Laundry detergents and fabric sprays
Air fresheners and odor control products
It delivers long-lasting protection even after drying, a strong advantage over alcohol-based products.
Due to its safety and anti-biofilm performance, PHMB is found in:
Contact lens disinfecting solutions
Surgical hand rubs and hospital disinfectants
Wound irrigation solutions
Antiseptic gels and dressings
Its bactericidal yet gentle properties protect sensitive tissues effectively.
PHMB helps maintain clean and safe water systems:
Swimming pools, spa systems
Cooling towers
Industrial circulating water
PHMB acts without producing harmful chlorine-based by-products and is effective in wide pH conditions.
It prevents microbial damage to:
Textiles, leather goods
Emulsions and polymer products
Paper and coatings
PHMB offers anti-mold and antibacterial durability, which makes it ideal for long-term protection.
| Feature | PHMB | Parabens | MIT/CMIT | Alcohol Disinfectants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mildness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Broad-spectrum | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Long-lasting protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Sensitization risk | Very Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Regulatory acceptance | Widely accepted | Restricted in some regions | Severe restrictions in EU | Limited in cosmetics |
Conclusion: PHMB offers the balance of safety + power that the industry needs.
Selecting the right partner ensures stability, compliance, and long-term supply. A professional polyhexamethylene biguanide manufacturer should provide:
| Evaluation Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Product Quality | High purity, consistent polymer chain distribution |
| Regulatory Documentation | TDS, COA, MSDS, safety & compliance support |
| Production Capability | Stable supply, suitable packaging sizes |
| Technical Service | Formulation guidance, microbial challenge testing |
| Global Export Experience | Familiar with EU, US, ASEAN regulatory requirements |
| Competitive Pricing | Supports both bulk & private brand buyers |
If your business needs reliable sourcing, our company can act as your long-term PHMB manufacturer and PHMB supplier, providing customized solutions for personal care and disinfection markets.
As an experienced polyhexamethylene biguanide supplier, we offer:
✔ High-purity PHMB liquid and powder grades
✔ Globally compliant raw materials
✔ Fast delivery and competitive price
✔ Technical formulation support
✔ Flexible MOQ for distributors
We support brands, factories, and distributors expanding in:
Skincare
Wet wipes
Disinfectants
Medical hygiene
Home care and textiles
If you are looking for a professional PHMB manufacturer with stable quality and global logistics capabilities, we are ready to support your project.
📧 Contact us: sales@szeasychem.com
📦 Bulk, OEM & private-label supply available
🌍 We ship worldwide
Is PHMB safe in cosmetic products?
Yes. PHMB is considered safe within approved dosages and widely used in cosmetics globally.
Does PHMB replace parabens or MIT/CMIT?
Yes, PHMB is commonly adopted as a safer alternative to restricted preservatives.
Is PHMB environmentally friendly?
PHMB biodegrades in water treatment systems and is safe when used according to regulations.
Can PHMB be combined with other preservatives?
Yes. Combination strategies further enhance microbial control.
Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB) is a next-generation antimicrobial that perfectly balances safety and strong performance. Its versatility makes it suitable for countless consumer and industrial applications.
As demand continues to grow, choosing a trusted polyhexamethylene biguanide manufacturer is key to safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
If you are searching for:
PHMB manufacturer
Polyhexamethylene biguanide supplier
PHMB supplier for cosmetics or disinfectants
We are ready to support your needs with professional service and reliable quality.
👉 Request samples & quotations now
📧 Email: sales@szeasychem.com
Grow your brand with a safer, stronger, and more modern preservative solution — PHMB.
388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
Email: sales@szeasychem.com
Contact： Joyce Yu
MB: +86 13962653966
Whatsapp&Wechat: +86 13962653966
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No.388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, China
Email: sales@szeasychem.com
TEL: +86 13962653966
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