PHMB is used as a preservative and as an antimicrobial agent. As a preservative, PHMB is used in cosmetics, personal care products, fabric softeners, contact lens solutions, hand washes, and more. In cosmetics, PHMB is used as a broad spectrum preservative.

Why is PHMB banned?

The substance polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB) has been banned in personal care products since January 2015. PHMB is a preservative that is used in for example makeup removers, body lotions and creams. The substance is suspected to be cancer-causing, it is detrimental to the environment and it is allergenic.

Is PHMB carcinogenic?

PHMB is a CMR substance, meaning it's classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CRM).