About Chlorine Dioxide
What is chlorine dioxide?
Chlorine dioxide (CIO2) is a gas with strong oxidizing properties. As an oxidizing agent, it rapidly neutralizes odors, acts as a bleach, and breaks down the cell walls of microorganisms - making it effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.Â
First discovered in 1811 by Humphrey Davy, CIO2 is primarily used today to disinfect municipal water supplies, particularly those with odor and taste issues. It's also widely used as a bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry as a safer alternative to chlorine, which can produce carcinogens.Â
Newer applications include disinfection of fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood; treatment of medical waste; and sanitation in the canning industry.Â
How is chlorine dioxide different from bleach?
Chlorine dioxide (CIO2) consists of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite, NaOCI) contains sodium, oxygen, and chlorine.Â
In bleach, the chlorine atom readily binds with organic compounds, often creating toxic byproducts. In chlorine dioxide, the chlorine atom is not free to form such compounds — making it a safer, more selective oxidizer. Bleach is also a liquid, while chlorine dioxide is a gas.
About Chlorine Dioxide (cont.)
What is the difference between "Active" and "Stabilized" chlorine dioxide?
"Stabilized chlorine dioxide" is a misleading term in widespread use. These products actually contain only trace amounts of CIO2 — a more accurate description is stabilized chlorite, buffered at a pH of about 7. To generate meaningful levels of chlorine dioxide from stabilized chlorite, chlorine or a strong acid must be added.Â
Chlorite is an oxidizing agent, but it is significantly less powerful than true chlorine dioxide. Our products use active chlorine dioxide, generated at the time of application by mixing two separate parts, to distinguish from stabilized chlorite systems.Â
What is the difference between MMS and CDS, and which method do you use?
MMS (Miracle Mineral Solution) and CDS (Chlorine Dioxide Solution) are two different methods of producing chlorine dioxide.Â
Our formulas are similar to the MMS method, combining sodium chlorite and an acid at the time of use. This process - known as DioxiCare — was developed by our founder, Howard Alliger. Our specialized formulations also include additional ingredients tailored to each product's intended purpose.Â
Is chlorine dioxide safe?
Yes, when used at appropriate concentrations. The Niagara Falls, NY water treatment plant first used chlorine dioxide for drinking water disinfection in 1944. Today, approximately 400-500 water treatment plants in the United States and over 1,000 in Europe use CIO2 to purify municipal drinking water.Â
Numerous studies have shown no adverse health effects from chlorine dioxide at appropriate concentrations, whether by skin contact or ingestion. Our products are not intended for ingestion - accidentally swallowing a small amount of mouthwash or toothpaste is not harmful, but larger quantities should be avoided.Â
The DioxiCare® System
What is the DioxiCare® System?
The DioxiCare® System is Frontier Pharmaceutical's proprietary method of generating chlorine dioxide for small-scale application. The gas is captured in a liquid or gel at specific concentrations and is immediately ready for use upon activation.Â
Our two-part system allows users to produce the active ingredient on demand at an acidity suitable for use on the body — unlike other chlorine dioxide systems, which require lower, more irritating acidity levels and longer reaction times. The DioxiCare System produces a chlorous acid/chlorine dioxide complex, which increases its efficacy. Products are available in liquid, gel, and paste forms.Â
Why must some products be mixed to activate chlorine dioxide?
Products like our mouthwash and toothpaste contain flavors that would degrade if stored as a single part. The two-part system preserves flavor and allows the incorporation of calcium and phosphate to protect tooth enamel - compounds that are unstable when stored together.Â
Our SNOOT Nasal Spray also uses a patented two-part system. Products without flavor or calcium/phosphate components are stable as single-part formulations.Â
Why do some products share similar ingredient lists?
Many of our single-part products differ primarily in the concentration of chlorine dioxide (measured in parts per million, or ppm), which is adjusted based on each product's specific application.
Ingredients & Formulation
Is your glycerin plant- or animal-based?
Our glycerin is 100% plant-based and vegan.
Why do some products contain dyes or ingredients that have been reported to have side effects?
The dye helps distinguish and properly mix the two parts required to generate chlorine dioxide gas - without mixing, the gas cannot form. We are removing the dye from our fluoride-free toothpaste, made possible by our new single-pump dispenser.Â
Other ingredients and their purposes:Â
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): Creates the foaming action in our Simply Clear Foaming Face Wash.Â
- Saccharin: Provides sweetness that remains stable in our formulas.Â
- Titanium dioxide: Whitens teeth and gives toothpaste a clean appearance (being removed from the fluoride-free version).Â
These ingredients are used in trace amounts only and are not ingested. Our formulations have been optimized over 27 years to ensure safety, stability, pleasant taste and feel, and maximum effectiveness.Â
Do your products disrupt beneficial oral bacteria?
We continue to evaluate this topic. After more than 26 years on the market, however, there have been no reported issues related to the loss of beneficial bacteria. We receive daily feedback from customers reporting improvements in gum health, breath freshness, and overall oral hygiene. Even if beneficial bacteria were temporarily affected, they naturally repopulate continuously.Â
What is biofilm?
A biofilm is a buildup of bacteria protected by a self-produced coating layer.
Product Use & Safety
How long will DioxiCare® freshen my breath?
Halimeter studies have shown that DioxiRinseTM Mouthwash completely eliminates bad breath for 3-4 hours after use, even with repeated challenges of cysteine (a substance bacteria use to form volatile sulfur compounds).Â
In a second clinical study, the breath of 15 patients with chronic halitosis was evaluated the day after a one-week rinsing regimen. Tested the morning after their last rinse, odor scores were half the pretreatment value-confirmed by both human judges and halimeter readings. Additionally, a single rinse with DioxiRinse reduced bacterial load by 60%.Â
What makes your mouthwash different from other specialized or prescription options?
Our mouthwash contains chlorine dioxide, which offers unique antibacterial and oxidative properties not found in most conventional or prescription options. Visit the product page for a full breakdown.Â
Are your products safe for children and pregnant women?
Yes. For two-part products, an adult should dispense the product to ensure both parts are properly mixed before use.
Is it safe if my pet licks an area where a product was applied?
Yes. Our products are non-toxic and safe for pets in such cases.
Can I apply moisturizer after using the acne gel?
Yes - wait 15-30 minutes before applying moisturizer. Applying it sooner may neutralize the chlorine dioxide. There is no waiting period required after using the face or body wash unless you are treating a specific condition.
Can your products be used around the eyes?
No product is formulated for direct eye use. Small accidental exposure is not typically dangerous but may cause irritation. Nail-It and Wuzawart are highly concentrated and should never be used near the eyes.Â
Can products withstand extreme temperatures?
Single-part products: Can tolerate cold and even freezing temperatures.
Two-part products: Should not be exposed to freezing or extreme heat for prolonged periods.
Excessive temperature fluctuations may reduce product stability and shelf life.
Shelf Life & Storage
What is the shelf life of your products?
Two-part products: Up to 2 years when stored separately.
Single-part products: Approximately 18 months at room temperature.
Manufacturing & Distribution
Where are your products made?
All products are manufactured in Ronkonkoma, New York, USA.
Why are some products labeled "for veterinary use only"?
These labels are required because we do not have FDA approval for human use for those products, even though many customers share success stories online.
Do you have distributors outside the U.S.?
Not at this time.
How can I become a distributor or wholesaler?
Apply directly through the Distributor and Wholesaler link on our website.
How does the affiliate and referral program work?
Full details are available in the Affiliate Program section of our website.
Orders & Shipping
How long does it take to receive my order?
Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1–2 business days. During promotions, processing may take slightly longer. Estimated delivery times:
East Coast: 2–3 days
West Coast: 4–6 days
See our full Shipping Policies for details.
Which countries do you ship to?
We ship to all countries listed in the shipping address dropdown at checkout. If your country does not appear, we are currently unable to ship there due to international restrictions or regional shipping limitations.
Contact Us
How can I get more information or speak with someone?
Our customer service team is happy to help:
Email: customerservice@frontierpharm.com
Phone: 1-800-767-3486
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST

