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Piroctone olamine

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.

Details

Properties

Antifungal: Inhibit fungal growth by chelating the iron required for fungal metabolism.
Anti-dandruff: Reduces dandruff through its antifungal properties.

Applications

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).

Storage method

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.

Contraindications and Precautions for Use

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.

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 activity includes several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds, and fungi. Notably, it is known to reduce the proliferation of Pityrosporum ovale (Malassezia furfur), a unicellular fungus on the scalp primarily responsible for dandruff production. For this reason, this molecule is frequently found in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp lotions as an alternative to the commonly used zinc pyrithione. It acts by penetrating the fungal cell wall and forming molecular complexes with iron, thereby inhibiting the fungus’s energy metabolism. While piroctone olamine is well known for its anti-dandruff effect, it also helps regulate sebum production, making it ideal for oily scalps. Additional studies have demonstrated its ability to promote hair growth, benefiting individuals prone to alopecia. Finally, it can also provide hair-conditioning advantages.