Library
All Topics
Piroctone Olamine
Commonly known as:
Piroctone olamine, Piroctone ethanolamine, 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1H)-pyridone, Octopirox.
I.N.C.I. list name:
Piroctone Olamine.
Extraction process:
Source:
Synthetic.
Botanical name:
/
Family:
/
Part of the plant extracted:
/
Provenance, origin:
Germany.
Chemical characteristics:
Molecular mass: 298.4 g/mol; pH: 5 - 8 (upon which solubility depends); Soluble in ethanol and chloroform; Slightly soluble in water and oil.
Characteristics:
Emulsion, true aqueous solution.
Dosage required in cosmetic products:
The maximum permitted concentration is 1% in rinse-off products and 0.5% in other products.
Function:
Anti-dandruff, preservative.
Properties:
Anti-dandruff, antibacterial, soothing, anti-inflammatory, conditioning, antifungal, sebum-regulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hair conditioning.
Benefits:
All skin types, particularly acne-prone skin; All hair types, especially scalps prone to flaking, irritating scalps, and those suffering from seborrheic dermatitis; Recommended for individuals with alopecia.
Details
Usage
Facial Care (creams, serums, shaving foams, sunscreens); Body Care (hand creams, sun care products) Hair Care (anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, hair tonics/creams/gels/lotions); Hygiene (deodorants).
Method of Preservation
Piroctone olamine is sensitive to UV light and can decompose depending on the degree of irradiation. Store in its original container at room temperature, protected from moisture and light.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
Piroctone olamine is a non-toxic cosmetic ingredient, well tolerated by all skin types, even for 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.
Find out more
Piroctone olamine is an ethanolamine salt of the hydroxamic acid derivative piroctone, first synthesized in 1979 by SCHWARZKOPF-HENKEL. It exhibits antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its spectrum of action includes various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds, and fungi. Among these, it is particularly known for reducing the proliferation of Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur), a unicellular fungus primarily responsible for dandruff production. This is why this molecule is frequently found in shampoos and hair lotions as an anti-dandruff active ingredient, serving as an alternative to commonly used zinc pyrithione. It works by penetrating the fungal cell wall and leading to the formation of molecular complexes with iron. This then results in the inhibition of fungal energy metabolism. While piroctone olamine is well known for its anti-dandruff effect, it is also ideal for oily scalps by regulating sebum production. Other studies have also shown this active ingredient's ability to promote hair growth, making it ideal for individuals prone to alopecia. Finally, it can also offer hair conditioning benefits.