Is Polyaminopropyl biguanide Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Polyaminopropyl biguanide is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
INCI name Polyaminopropyl Biguanide. CAS 32289-58-0.
Is Polyaminopropyl biguanide banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | wipes, sprays, lotion |
| CAS number | 32289-58-0 |
What is Polyaminopropyl biguanide?
Polyaminopropyl biguanide (Polyaminopropyl Biguanide) is a preservative (PHMB).
Why is Polyaminopropyl biguanide used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Polyaminopropyl biguanide dangerous? Documented risks
A possible carcinogen by inhalation; the EU restricts it.
Products that may contain Polyaminopropyl biguanide
- wipes
- sprays
- lotion
How to avoid Polyaminopropyl biguanide: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Polyaminopropyl biguanide
Is Polyaminopropyl biguanide banned in the EU?
Polyaminopropyl biguanide is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Polyaminopropyl biguanide in US cosmetics?
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.
What products contain Polyaminopropyl biguanide?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Polyaminopropyl biguanide automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Polyaminopropyl biguanide?
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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Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.