Octenidine concentrations of less than1.5 μM (0.94 μg/mL) causes a greater than 99% reduction of tested microbial population within 15 min. Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most susceptible of the test organisms, and E. coli and C. albicans are the least susceptible.

The antimicrobial activity of octenidine hydrochloride (OCT) is maintained when applied to the skin of the hands and feet of cynomolgus monkeys. Aqueous octenidine, at a concentration of 0.2 to 1.6% reduces resident microflora populations from 90 to 99.98%. A significant reduction in plaque score is observed on the buccal tooth surfaces after daily topical application of 1% solutions of octenidine and chlorhexidine for 7 d; octenidine is more effective than chlorhexidine.