Bulk Chlorhexidine Solution Supplier in India: 0.5%, 2%, 4% Grades
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) has become the modern reference antiseptic for pre-operative skin preparation, surgical hand scrub and a range of clinical applications, displacing povidone iodine as the default in many surgical contexts thanks to its long residual antimicrobial activity on skin. For distributors and procurement teams in India, the question isn't whether to stock chlorhexidine — it is which concentration, which format and which manufacturer. This guide walks the practical sourcing landscape.
Pioma Chemtech is a specialty chemical manufacturer based in India whose catalogue covers 70% IPA, hydrogen peroxide, surgical spirit and hand sanitiser — adjacent to chlorhexidine on the antiseptic shelf. This article is an educational sourcing guide, not a sales document for our own catalogue.
Concentration grades to know
Chlorhexidine gluconate is sold across a range of concentrations, each tied to specific uses:
0.5% CHG (often in 70% alcohol or aqueous) — skin antisepsis before injections, minor procedures, and clinic skin prep
2% CHG with 70% IPA — modern pre-operative skin preparation applicator; current default in many surgical guidelines
4% CHG surgical scrub — hand and pre-op surgical scrub (detergent base)
0.12–0.2% CHG mouthwash — periodontal and dental rinse use
0.1–0.5% CHG aqueous — wound cleansing in specific situations
5% concentrated for dilution — institutional supply for in-house dilution
The IP, BP, USP and EP monographs all specify chlorhexidine gluconate by purity, identification and assay tests. For medicinal use, pharmacopoeia-compliant grade is essential.
Product formats
Common commercial formats:
Aqueous solution — water-based, used for skin and wound antisepsis where alcohol is contraindicated
Alcoholic solution — 70% IPA-based, faster drying, used for pre-op skin prep
Detergent-based surgical scrub — foams for hand wash and pre-op surgical scrubbing
Single-use applicators — sponge-tipped or swab-stick formats for sterile single-patient use
Mouthwash — flavoured, lower-concentration, dental indications
Single-use applicators are operationally cleaner and reduce contamination risk vs. multi-dose bottles in surgical contexts. They cost more per use but are the standard at major surgical centres for CHG-alcohol skin prep.
Sourcing checklist
Before placing a first order with a new manufacturer:
Manufacturing licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, valid and verifiable
GMP certification (WHO-GMP for export-grade manufacturers)
Recent COA showing pharmacopoeia compliance for the specific batch
Assay verification — actual chlorhexidine gluconate content within IP/BP/USP range
For alcoholic formulations: alcohol source declared and excise-compliant
Sterility data for single-use sterile applicators
Shelf life and storage requirements clearly stated
Labelling per Indian disinfectant/antiseptic norms
Returns and complaint policy
Pack sizes and packaging
Standard sizes seen in the market:
100 ml, 250 ml — retail and clinic skin-prep bottles
500 ml, 1 L — institutional surgical scrub and skin prep
5 L jerry cans — institutional bulk for hand wash
Single-use applicators in cartons of 25–50 sterile units
200 ml/450 ml mouthwash bottles for retail dental category
Containers must protect from light and contamination. Reputable manufacturers use opaque HDPE for solutions and sealed sterile applicators. Alcohol-containing formulations require packaging tested for compatibility with the alcohol load — clear thin-walled PET is a warning sign.
Allergic reactions — a real consideration
Chlorhexidine anaphylaxis is rare but well-documented, particularly with mucosal application and with certain catheter-coatings. Some regulatory bodies have updated labelling to highlight the risk. Patients with a documented chlorhexidine reaction should switch to alternatives such as povidone iodine or alcohol-based antiseptics.
Distributors should ensure labels carry appropriate allergy warnings and that adverse-event reporting routes are clear in the supply chain.
Storage and handling
Below 25°C in original containers
Alcoholic CHG formulations: away from open flames
Aqueous CHG: protect from contamination during multi-dose use — do not refill containers
Track shelf life via FEFO
Multi-dose bottles should be replaced within manufacturer-stated in-use period
Documented healthcare-associated infections have been traced historically to contaminated multi-dose antiseptic bottles. Single-use products eliminate this risk for procedures where it matters.
Pricing indication 2026
Indicative wholesale ranges:
0.5% CHG aqueous, 500 ml: ₹120–280 per bottle
4% CHG surgical scrub, 500 ml: ₹150–350 per bottle
2% CHG / 70% IPA single-use applicator, 26 ml: ₹50–150 per applicator
5 L institutional surgical scrub: ₹950–1,800
Prices vary with grade, sterility, brand and channel structure. Single-use sterile applicators command a meaningful premium per use.
What to pair it with on the antiseptic shelf
A working clinic/hospital antiseptic stocking pattern:
Chlorhexidine — pre-op skin prep and surgical scrub
Povidone iodine — alternative for chlorhexidine-sensitive patients, mucosal use, paediatrics under guidance
70% IPA — skin prep at venepuncture, surface decontamination
Surgical spirit — alternative skin prep
3% hydrogen peroxide — limited adjunct uses
Hand sanitiser (WHO formulation) — point-of-care hand hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
Which concentration of chlorhexidine should I stock?
For a general clinic: 0.5% aqueous (skin prep), 4% surgical scrub, and 2% CHG-alcohol applicators for pre-op skin prep. For a hospital OT: add larger institutional packs of 4% scrub. For a dental practice: stock CHG mouthwash. For a retail pharmacy: mainly mouthwash and small skin-cleanser packs.
Can chlorhexidine be used on mucous membranes?
Some formulations and concentrations are designed for mucosal use (mouthwash, certain skin-cleanser products). Others are not. Always follow the product label. Some chlorhexidine-anaphylaxis cases have been linked to mucosal application — keep allergy history in mind.
Why is CHG-alcohol preferred over povidone iodine for pre-op skin prep?
Several large trials in adult patients have shown lower surgical-site-infection rates with CHG-alcohol vs. povidone iodine in clean and clean-contaminated surgery. The residual antiseptic activity of CHG on skin is the main mechanism. See povidone iodine vs chlorhexidine.
Is chlorhexidine safe in pregnancy and for newborns?
It is used in obstetric and neonatal settings, but not universally. Specific protocols exist — for example, low-concentration CHG umbilical cord cleansing has been used in some public-health programmes. Use under medical guidance.
What is the shelf life of chlorhexidine products?
Typically 24–36 months from manufacture in proper storage. Alcoholic formulations require additional care around evaporation and packaging integrity.
Can I dilute concentrated chlorhexidine in-house?
Some institutions do (typically diluting 5% concentrate to 0.5% or 0.05% for specific uses), but this requires controlled compounding and validated water. Most distributors and clinics buy at use concentration.
Are there generic CHG products from Indian manufacturers?
Yes — multiple Indian manufacturers produce pharmacopoeia-compliant chlorhexidine products. Branded products from established multinationals coexist with generics. The compliance criteria (COA, manufacturing licence, GMP) are the same regardless of brand.
Chlorhexidine has earned its place as the modern default antiseptic for pre-operative skin preparation. Stocking and supplying it well is straightforward once the grade and format decisions are made.
— Pioma Chemtech is a specialty chemical manufacturer based in India. Available for bulk and commercial supply of 70% IPA, hydrogen peroxide, surgical spirit and hand sanitiser — adjacent antiseptic-shelf chemistry.
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