Indicated for fungal infections, dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, ciclopirox olamine is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent found in a variety of formulations. Where is it present, and in which situations should it be used? Let’s explore this topic together.
Ciclopirox olamine: which products contain it?
Summary
Published on August 4, 2025, updated on October 13, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Which treatments contain ciclopirox olamine?
The ciclopirox olamine is a hydroxypyridinone derivative with antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts by disrupting iron metabolism within fungal cells, which inhibits the synthesis of enzymes essential for their survival. Unlike many antifungal agents that target cell membranes, ciclopirox employs a broader mechanism of action, making the emergence of resistance difficult. Furthermore, ciclopirox olamine is a broad-spectrum antifungal. Thanks to this favorable pharmacological profile, the ciclopirox olamine is included in various products designed to combat skin or nail mycoses, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Ciclopirox olamine shampoos.
Ciclopirox olamine is primarily incorporated into antifungal shampoos, often at concentrations of 1%. These formulations target scalps affected by seborrheic dermatitis or exhibiting dandruff. As a reminder, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis result from a scalp imbalance associated with accelerated cell renewal, leading to an accumulation of scales on the surface and promoting the proliferation of yeasts of the genusMalassezia. Ciclopirox olamine can act on these different parameters, hence its presence in anti-dandruff shampoos.
Shampoos containing ciclopirox olamine are generally used two to three times a week initially, and then, once dandruff has subsided, a weekly application is sufficient to prevent relapses.
Ciclopirox olamine lotions or serums for the scalp.
Ciclopirox olamine can also be found in hair serums or lotions. These leave-on products maintain prolonged contact with the scalp, thereby extending antifungal action. Ciclopirox olamine serums or lotions may also be beneficial for individuals with sensitive or very dry scalps who cannot tolerate frequent washing but still suffer from dandruff.
Ciclopirox olamine creams.
In dermatology, ciclopirox olamine is also included in creams formulated to treat fungal infections, whether they occur on the face or in the genital area (vulvar mycoses). These formulations are often made at a 1% concentration and are applied to clean, dry skin.
The duration of treatment with ciclopirox olamine creams varies with the severity of the infection, but generally they are applied twice daily for three weeks.
Ciclopirox olamine nail polish.
In the context of onychomycoses, also known as nail fungal infections, the ciclopirox olamine is available as a medicated nail lacquer, typically at 8%. This formulation allows localized application and progressive penetration of the active ingredient through the nail plate to the nail bed. Thanks to its antifungal properties and strong adhesion to keratin, ciclopirox olamine can manage the infection without the need to file the nail. Ciclopirox olamine nail lacquers are particularly useful in cases of moderate onychomycosis or as an adjunct to oral antifungal therapy.
Ciclopirox olamine nail lacquers are applied once daily to each infected nail for three to six months.
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Where to find the ciclopirox olamine at Typology?
At Typology, we offer an anti-dandruff scalp serum based on 0.5% ciclopirox olamine. This treatment also contains sarcosine, an amino acid derivative that decreases sebum production, thus limiting the development of microorganisms that feed on it, such as Malassezia. It is used two to three times a week, preferably in the evening, to soothe the scalp and reduce itching and dandruff. This anti-dandruff serum has a light texture and does not require rinsing.
Sources
ROSENMAN D. & al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a ciclopirox olamine 1% shampoo for the treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2000).
BARAN R. & al. Ciclopirox nail lacquer topical solution 8% in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2000).
PLOTT T. & al. Ciclopirox: A broad-spectrum antifungal with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. International Journal of Dermatology (2004).
BUDZISZ E. & al. Ciclopirox and ciclopirox olamine: Antifungal agents in dermatology with expanding therapeutic potential. Applied Sciences (2024).
