What are the benefits of ciclopirox olamine for hair?

The ciclopirox olamine is a synthetic derivative of ciclopirox, an antifungal agent. When combined with ethanolamine, it exhibits increased water solubility and enhanced bioavailability. Ciclopirox olamine is among the few broad-spectrum antifungal agents capable of acting against both dermatophytes and yeasts such as Candida and Malassezia, as well as certain molds. Its chemical structure, derived from hydroxypyridone, confers a particular affinity for metal ions—especially iron—which it chelates, disrupting microbial metabolism. In addition to its antifungal properties, ciclopirox olamine also exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, making its use especially relevant for managing dermatoses where microbial overgrowth and inflammation coexist, such as seborrheic dermatitis.

From a trichological standpoint, ciclopirox olamine is particularly effective for combating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

As a reminder, dandruff is primarily linked to the proliferation of yeasts of the genus Malassezia. Their multiplication on the scalp leads to the breakdown of sebum lipids into irritating fatty acids, responsible for local inflammation, sometimes accompanied by itching, but also to an accelerated shedding of the epidermis. Dandruff represents a mild, localized form of seborrheic dermatitis, a more widespread inflammatory skin condition with an identical pathogenesis.

Ciclopirox olamine acts on multiple levels to target dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. As mentioned above, this active ingredient exerts a direct antifungal activity against yeasts Malassezia by disrupting their cellular metabolism. Ciclopirox olamine works by chelating iron, a metal essential to the activity of many fungal enzymes, such as cytochromes, catalases, and peroxidases, involved in mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress management. By inhibiting these metal‐dependent enzymes, ciclopirox induces an intracellular iron deficiency in the fungi, compromising their viability.

In parallel, ciclopirox olamine has anti-inflammatory activity that complements its antifungal action. It blocks certain inflammatory pathways, notably those derived from arachidonic acid, by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase. This action of ciclopirox olamine makes it possible to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, the molecules responsible for redness, itching, and irritation associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, studies have shown that it decreases the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, reinforcing its soothing effect on the scalp while limiting the risk of recurrence.

The effects of ciclopirox olamine on dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis have been studied in numerous trials. The table below presents some of the results obtained.