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Answer: Polyaminopropyl biguanide is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: medium. Commonly found in: wipes, sprays, lotion.
TL;DR: Polyaminopropyl biguanide is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Polyaminopropyl Biguanide. CAS 32289-58-0.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | wipes, sprays, lotion |
| CAS number | 32289-58-0 |
Polyaminopropyl biguanide (Polyaminopropyl Biguanide) is a preservative (PHMB).
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
A possible carcinogen by inhalation; the EU restricts it.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Polyaminopropyl biguanidewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Polyaminopropyl biguanide can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Polyaminopropyl biguanide automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Polyaminopropyl biguanide.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Polyaminopropyl biguanide or other ingredients banned overseas.
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