[5] PHMB has been shown to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis, enterococci, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Products containing PHMB are used for inter-operative irrigation, pre- and post-surgery skin and mucous membrane disinfection, post-operative dressings, surgical and non-surgical wound dressings, surgical bath/hydrotherapy, chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcer and burn wound management, routine antisepsis during minor incisions, catheterization, first aid, surface disinfection, and linen disinfection.

[9] It is sold as a swimming pool and spa disinfectant in place of chlorine or bromine based products under the name Baquacil.

[1][2] In 2011, polyhexamethylene biguanide was classified as category 2 carcinogen by the European Chemical Agency, but it is still allowed in cosmetics in small quantities if exposure by inhalation is impossible.

[11] In some sources, particularly when listed as a cosmetics ingredient (INCI), the polymer is wrongly named as polyaminopropyl biguanide.