1. Pharmaceuticals

• Pre-surgical antisepsis: Before any surgical procedure, the skin harbors a variety of bacteria. Applying chlorhexidine solution drastically reduces these microbes, lowering the chance of post-surgical infections, which can complicate recovery and increase healthcare costs.
• Wound care: Open wounds, cuts, and burns are highly susceptible to microbial colonization. Using chlorhexidine cleanses the wound, preventing infection and promoting healing. It is favored because it retains its antimicrobial activity even in the presence of blood or organic matter.
• Formulation component: It is included in topical creams and ointments to add antiseptic properties, ensuring the product itself remains free of microbes and delivers therapeutic benefits to the patient.

2. Personal Care 

• Antimicrobial soaps and sanitizers: It provides broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, including those resistant to other agents. This is particularly useful in products designed for frequent use, as it is less drying to the skin.
• Feminine hygiene products: Its mildness and safety profile allow its use in delicate areas, helping control infections without irritation.
• Preservation: Chlorhexidine also acts as a preservative in some formulations, preventing contamination during storage and use.

3. Animal Healthcare 

• Wound cleansing and surgical prep: Veterinary procedures require stringent infection control; chlorhexidine effectively reduces microbial populations on animal skin.
• Oral care: In pets, especially dogs and cats, chlorhexidine-containing rinses or gels help reduce plaque and dental infections, promoting oral health.
• Wound healing: It assists in preventing infections in animal wounds and postoperative sites, improving recovery rates.

4. Cleaning & Disinfectants 

• Surface and equipment disinfection: It’s used to clean and disinfect patient rooms, surgical tools, and high-touch surfaces to break the chain of infection.
• Hand antisepsis: Healthcare workers use chlorhexidine-based soaps or gels for hand hygiene, crucial to preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Prolonged antimicrobial activity: Unlike alcohol-based sanitizers that evaporate quickly, chlorhexidine remains active on skin and surfaces for hours, offering ongoing protection.