Commonly known as: Piroctone olamine, octopirox, piroctone ethanolamine, 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1H)-pyridone.
I.N.C.I. list name: Piroctone Olamine.
Extraction process:
Source: Synthetic.
Botanical name: /
Family: /
Extracted part of the plant: /
Origin, provenance: Germany.
Chemical properties: Molecular mass: 298.4 g/mol; pH: 5–8 (which affects solubility); Soluble in ethanol and chloroform; Slightly soluble in water and oil.
Properties: Emulsion, true aqueous solution.
Required dosage in cosmetic products: The maximum permitted concentration is 1% in rinse-off products and 0.5% in other products.
Function: Anti-dandruff, preservative.
Specificities: Anti-dandruff, antibacterial, antifungal, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hair conditioning agent.
Benefits: All skin types, especially acne-prone skin; all hair types, particularly flaky scalps (dandruff) and those affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
Antifungal: Inhibit fungal growth by chelating the iron required for fungal metabolism.
Anti-dandruff: Reduces dandruff through its antifungal properties.
Facial skincare (creams, serums, shaving foams, sun care products) ;
Body care (hand creams, sun care);
Hair care (anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, hair tonics/creams/gels/lotions);
Hygiene (deodorants).
Piroctone olamine is sensitive to UV light and can decompose depending on the irradiation level. Store it in its original container at room temperature, protected from moisture and light.
Piroctone olamine is a non-toxic cosmetic active ingredient, well tolerated by all skin types, even in pregnant women. However, in rare cases, side effects such as irritation and itching may persist. Unlike other daily-use shampoos, those containing piroctone olamine should not be used more than twice a week.