Medically reviewed by Dr Nuray Saracoz, board-certified dermatologist (France), on September 28, 2026.
Hexomedine is a French antiseptic medicine for the skin, non-prescription in France, made by Cooper (Cooperation Pharmaceutique Francaise), with hexamidine diisethionate as its active ingredient. It exists in four formats: a solution, a more concentrated solution called Hexomedine Transcutanee, a gel and a spray. Each one has its own official leaflet in the French public medicines database, and all four share the same indication, the same active ingredient and much the same precautions. The four official leaflets are written in French, and the directions below restate them in English, format by format.
Hexomedine uses: what is Hexomedine used for?
Hexomedine is used for one purpose in all four French leaflets: as an adjunct in skin conditions that are primarily bacterial or likely to become superinfected, as stated in section 4.1 of the official solution leaflet. The solution, the Transcutanee solution, the gel and the spray all carry this same indication.
The word adjunct matters. Hexomedine is presented as an add-on to other care, not as the whole answer to a skin problem. The leaflets also give a plain reminder about what any antiseptic can and cannot do: antiseptics "are not sterilizing, they temporarily reduce the number of microorganisms" on the skin, according to the spray leaflet. In other words, an antiseptic lowers the number of germs on the surface for a while; it does not make the skin sterile, and it does not replace a visit to a health professional when a skin problem spreads, lasts or worries you.
Because the indication is the same across the range, choosing between the formats is mostly a question of texture, concentration and how the product is applied, which the next section compares.
The four Hexomedine formats compared
All four formats contain hexamidine diisethionate. Three of them contain 0.1%, and one, Hexomedine Transcutanee, contains 0.15%. The table below sums up each leaflet.
| Format | Strength | Size | Directions (leaflet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hexomedine 1 pour mille, solution | 0.1 g per 100 ml (0.1%) | See the pack | 2 to 3 applications a day, no rinsing, 5 days maximum |
| Hexomedine Transcutanee 1,5 pour mille, solution | 0.15 g per 100 ml (0.15%) | See the pack | Applied pure twice a day, or as short wet dressings of 30 to 45 minutes |
| Hexomedine 0,1 pour cent, gel | 0.1 g per 100 g (0.1%) | 30 g | 2 to 3 applications a day, no rinsing, 5 days maximum |
| Hexomedine 1 pour mille, spray | 0.1 g per 100 ml (0.1%) | 75 ml | 2 to 3 applications a day, no rinsing, 5 days maximum |
The Hexomedine solution is the reference format, with 0.1 g of hexamidine diisethionate per 100 ml (CIS 69323760, leaflet). It contains ethanol, so it can sting on broken skin. It is applied 2 to 3 times a day, without rinsing, for no more than 5 days.
The Hexomedine spray contains the same 0.1 g per 100 ml in a 75 ml bottle (CIS 65490819, leaflet). The directions match the solution: 2 to 3 applications a day, no rinsing, 5 days at most, and never swallowed.
The Hexomedine gel holds 0.1 g of hexamidine diisethionate per 100 g, in a 30 g format (CIS 69884544, leaflet). It follows the same schedule of 2 to 3 applications a day for up to 5 days.
Hexomedine Transcutanee is the more concentrated solution, at 0.15 g per 100 ml (CIS 69555100, leaflet). It contains propylene glycol and has its own directions, covered in detail in the next section.
Hexomedine vs Hexomedine Transcutanee: what is the difference?
Hexomedine and Hexomedine Transcutanee differ mainly in concentration and method of use: Hexomedine Transcutanee contains 0.15% hexamidine diisethionate versus 0.1% for the standard solution, and it is applied pure twice a day or as short wet dressings, according to the Transcutanee leaflet. Both share the same indication.
Beyond the 0.15% vs 0.1% difference, a few details set the two apart:
- Directions. The standard solution, gel and spray are applied 2 to 3 times a day for up to 5 days. Hexomedine Transcutanee is used pure, twice a day, or as short wet dressings of 30 to 45 minutes.
- Baths for nails only. The Transcutanee leaflet mentions baths of 1 to 3 minutes only for nail infections. Baths are not a general direction for other parts of the skin.
- Where not to apply it. Hexomedine Transcutanee must not be applied on mucous membranes or on open wounds.
- Excipients. Hexomedine Transcutanee contains propylene glycol; the standard solution contains ethanol, which can sting on broken skin.
- Opened bottle. The Transcutanee leaflet gives an opened bottle life, detailed further down.
More concentrated does not mean better. The choice between the two depends on the directions of each leaflet and on the advice of a health professional.
How to use Hexomedine
Hexomedine solution, gel and spray share the same directions in their leaflets: to use Hexomedine in these formats, apply 2 to 3 times a day on the area concerned, do not rinse, do not swallow, and stop after 5 days at most, as stated in the gel leaflet. Hexomedine Transcutanee follows separate directions, listed below.
Solution, gel and spray
- Apply 2 to 3 times a day on the skin where the product is needed.
- Do not rinse after application.
- Use for 5 days at most.
- Do not swallow.
- Remember that the solution contains ethanol and can sting on broken skin.
Hexomedine Transcutanee
- Apply pure, twice a day.
- It can also be used as short wet dressings of 30 to 45 minutes.
- Baths of 1 to 3 minutes are described only for nail infections.
- Do not apply on mucous membranes or open wounds.
For all formats, the leaflets advise against use on large areas, under an occlusive dressing, and on damaged or burned skin (solution leaflet). If the problem is still there at the end of the period stated in the leaflet (5 days at most for the solution, gel and spray), or if it spreads, see a health professional.
Hexomedine for acne: can you use it on pimples?
Hexomedine is not listed for acne in any of its four French leaflets. The official indication is an adjunct in skin conditions that are primarily bacterial or likely to become superinfected, per section 4.1 of the Transcutanee leaflet. For pimples or acne, a health professional should advise first.
Acne does not appear anywhere in the indication of the solution, the Transcutanee solution, the gel or the spray, and the leaflets give no acne-specific directions; the general directions are listed under How to use Hexomedine above.
The right approach to acne depends on the person. A doctor, a dermatologist or a pharmacist can say whether an antiseptic has any place in their care, and which products are suitable. Keep in mind the leaflet warning about sensitization: the leaflets name a risk of contact dermatitis with this medicine.
What is hexamidine, the active ingredient in Hexomedine?
Hexamidine is the antiseptic substance behind every Hexomedine format; the active ingredient is hexamidine diisethionate (spelled diisetionate on the French leaflet), at 0.1% in the solution, gel and spray and at 0.15% in Hexomedine Transcutanee, according to the solution leaflet.
It helps to separate the two names. Hexamidine is the ingredient; Hexomedine is the medicine, meaning the finished product with its concentration, its excipients, its format and its official leaflet. The ingredient alone says nothing about how often to apply a product or for how long: those directions belong to each medicine and its leaflet.
This is also why two products with the same active ingredient can differ. Hexomedine Transcutanee and the standard solution both contain hexamidine diisethionate, yet they differ in concentration, the excipients their leaflets name (propylene glycol for Transcutanee, ethanol for the solution) and directions, as the Transcutanee leaflet shows.
How long does an opened bottle last?
The Transcutanee leaflet gives a clear figure: once opened, a bottle of Hexomedine Transcutanee keeps for 15 days in hygienic use, and for 5 days if it is used as a bath (Transcutanee leaflet). For the other formats, check the pack and the leaflet that come with the product.
Precautions and side effects
A risk named in all four leaflets is sensitization, which can show up as contact dermatitis. The leaflets list several situations to avoid (spray leaflet):
- application on large areas of skin;
- use under an occlusive dressing;
- application on damaged or burned skin;
- use in premature babies and infants.
Other points depend on the format. The standard solution contains ethanol and can sting on broken skin. Hexomedine Transcutanee contains propylene glycol and must not be applied on mucous membranes or open wounds. No format should be swallowed. If a reaction appears, ask a health professional for advice.
Is Hexomedine available in the US?
Hexomedine is available to readers in the US through Paris Pharmacy, which sells all four formats online and ships them to the US: the Hexomedine solution, the Transcutanee solution, the gel and the spray. Hexomedine remains a French medicine, non-prescription in France, and its official leaflet is written in French.
The spray and the gel contain the same active ingredient at the same strength as the solution and follow the same directions, including the 5-day limit.
For more about ordering from a French pharmacy, see whether a French pharmacy online is legit and how French pharmacy online shipping works.
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This article is general information, not medical or professional advice. Always read the official leaflet and label, and ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Hexomedine, especially for a baby or young child, or on large or damaged areas of skin, which the leaflets advise against.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
FAQ
Hexomedine uses: what is Hexomedine used for?
Hexomedine is an antiseptic used as an adjunct in skin conditions that are primarily bacterial or likely to become superinfected (leaflet).
How is Hexomedine Transcutanee used?
Hexomedine Transcutanee is applied pure twice a day or as short wet dressings of 30 to 45 minutes. It is more concentrated than the standard solution, 0.15% vs 0.1%, and must not be applied on mucous membranes or open wounds.
Is Hexomedine good for acne?
Hexomedine does not list acne as an indication in any of its four leaflets. Ask a health professional about pimples or acne.
What is hexamidine, the active ingredient in Hexomedine?
Hexamidine, as hexamidine diisethionate, is the antiseptic active ingredient in every Hexomedine format.
Can you use Hexomedine in your mouth?
Hexomedine must not be swallowed, and Hexomedine Transcutanee must not be applied on mucous membranes. Ask a health professional before any use near the mouth.
Is Hexomedine available in the US?
Hexomedine is sold online by Paris Pharmacy in its four formats, with shipping to the US.
Do you need a prescription for Hexomedine?
Hexomedine is non-prescription in France; ask a health professional before use.
