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What Is Hibiclens?

Hibiclens is an over-the-counter topical antiseptic containing chlorhexidine gluconate 4 percent. Current labeling lists use as an antimicrobial skin cleanser, for skin wound and general skin cleansing, as a surgical hand scrub, and as a healthcare personnel handwash.

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What Is Hibiclens?

Hibiclens is an over-the-counter topical antiseptic containing chlorhexidine gluconate 4 percent. Current labeling lists use as an antimicrobial skin cleanser, for skin wound and general skin cleansing, as a surgical hand scrub, and as a healthcare personnel handwash.

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How Does Hibiclens Act as an Antiseptic?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is positively charged and binds to negatively charged microbial cell surfaces. This disrupts cell membrane integrity and causes leakage of intracellular material. The result is topical antibacterial activity on treated skin.

What Is Hibiclens Used For?

Hibiclens is used for skin wound and general skin cleansing, surgical hand scrubbing, and healthcare personnel handwashing. It is for external use only. Wounds extending beyond superficial skin layers should not be routinely treated with the product, and repeated cleansing of large body areas follows medical advice.

How Is Hibiclens Used?

For skin wound or general cleansing, the area is rinsed with water, a small amount is applied and washed gently, then rinsed thoroughly. Surgical hand scrubbing uses about 5 mL for three minutes, followed by rinsing and a repeat scrub. Healthcare personnel handwashing uses about 5 mL with vigorous washing for 15 seconds before rinsing.

What Safety Warnings Apply to Hibiclens?

Hibiclens can cause severe allergic reactions. It is kept out of the eyes, ears, and mouth and is not used on the meninges or genital area. Eye exposure can cause serious permanent injury, and middle-ear exposure through a perforated eardrum can cause deafness. Premature infants and infants younger than 2 months are at risk for irritation or chemical burns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hibiclens

What is the active ingredient in Hibiclens?

Hibiclens contains chlorhexidine gluconate 4 percent.

Is Hibiclens used on the skin?

Yes. It is an external-use antiseptic for labeled skin cleansing and handwashing purposes.

Can Hibiclens be used near the eyes or ears?

No. The label directs users to keep it out of the eyes, ears, and mouth.

Can Hibiclens cause a serious allergic reaction?

Yes. Severe allergic reactions with breathing difficulty, shock, swelling, hives, or rash can occur.

References

Chlorhexidine Gluconate. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Chlorhexidine-gluconate. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

Chlorhexidine Topical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a625016.html. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

DailyMed - HIBICLENS (chlorhexidine gluconate) solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=29b547bf-c08e-14c2-e054-00144ff88e88. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

FDA Warns About Rare but Serious Allergic Reactions With the Skin Antiseptic Chlorhexidine Gluconate. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/media/102986/download. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.

Hibiclens. M?lnlycke Health Care. https://hibiclens.com/healthcare/. Date Accessed October 1, 2026.