It is a cationic surfactant active substance with antibacterial use, which contains two cationic centers in its molecule that is separated by a long aliphatic hydrocarbon chain (10 CH2 group).

Octenidine is to a very minor extent resorbed by the skin, by the digestive system and by wound tissues. Therefore, it is safe to use. The substance is also safe from the acute, chronic and sub-chronic toxicity, cyto-toxicity, carcinogenic and reproductive toxicity point of views. It is not contraindicated for pregnant and nursing women. It is suitable for diabetics, patients with a weak immune system, patients with allergies, etc. Its effectiveness was verified against gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and some viruses. The effectiveness is not even decreased by the presence of secretions, etc.
Octenidine promotes granulation of the epithelial cells, it does not limit the micro-circulation of blood in tissues and it can either be used short-term or long-term. It is thermo-stable, photo-stable and even stable at wide pH ranges.