Cosmetic Active System
PO | Piroctone Olamine
Piroctone Olamine is a multifunctional anti-dandruff and scalp care active with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Malassezia species and other scalp-resident microorganisms. It provides effective dandruff control, sebum regulation, and scalp balancing benefits while maintaining excellent formulation compatibility across rinse-off and leave-on systems.
INCI
Piroctone Olamine
CAS
50667-51-3
Applications
hampoos, scalp serums, hair tonics, conditioners, scalp treatments
Shelf Life
36 months
Product Overview
Advanced Anti-Dandruff Solution for Modern Scalp Care Formulations
Piroctone Olamine (also known as Octopirox) is a well-established anti-dandruff active widely used in professional and consumer scalp care products. Its mechanism centers on selective inhibition of Malassezia furfur and Malassezia globosa, the primary fungi responsible for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike traditional anti-dandruff agents that rely on cytotoxic or keratolytic effects, Piroctone Olamine works through iron chelation at the fungal cell membrane, disrupting essential metabolic processes without aggressive scalp stripping.
For formulators, Piroctone Olamine offers a favorable safety and efficacy profile across a wide pH range (4–8). It maintains antimicrobial activity in the presence of anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants, making it suitable for diverse shampoo and scalp treatment platforms. Its low recommended dosage and excellent sensory compatibility allow clean, non-greasy formulations that consumers associate with healthy hair and balanced scalp. Piroctone Olamine is increasingly adopted in premium anti-dandruff and daily scalp care ranges across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Core Advantages
Hair & Scalp Benefits
Scalp Balance
Piroctone Olamine helps restore microbial equilibrium on the scalp by selectively suppressing Malassezia overgrowth while preserving the broader skin microbiome. This targeted approach addresses the root cause of dandruff without disrupting the scalp's natural defense mechanisms.
Anti-Dandruff Support
With an established track record in clinical anti-dandruff studies, Piroctone Olamine reduces visible flaking and scalp itching within 2–4 weeks of regular use. Its efficacy is comparable to zinc pyrithione and climbazole at equivalent use levels, with a distinctly milder sensory profile.
Sebum Control
By normalizing the scalp micro-environment, Piroctone Olamine contributes to gradual sebum regulation. Users typically report less greasy scalp feel between washes, extending the cosmetic interval and improving overall hair appearance.
Hair Conditioning
Unlike high-dose anti-dandruff agents that leave hair dry or brittle, Piroctone Olamine integrates smoothly into conditioning systems. It does not accumulate on the hair shaft and rinses cleanly, preserving the intended sensory profile of the finished product.
Core Advantages
Recommended Applications
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The primary delivery platform. Works with sulfate and sulfate-free surfactant bases at 0.3–0.5% for effective daily or intermittent use.
Scalp Serum
Leave-on format for targeted treatment. Typically used at 0.05–0.1% in combination with soothing agents like panthenol or niacinamide.
Hair Tonic
Lightweight, water-based formulations for daily scalp refresh. Piroctone Olamine's low-dose efficacy makes it ideal for clear, low-viscosity systems.
Conditioner
Rinse-off conditioning products benefit from its anti-dandruff carry-over effect without compromising the conditioning deposit.
Core Advantages
Why Formulators Choose Piroctone Olamine
Low Effective Dose
Achieves reliable anti-dandruff results at 0.1–0.5%, reducing formulation cost and ingredient load compared to alternatives like zinc pyrithione (1%+) or coal tar derivatives.
Surfactant Compatibility
Maintains antimicrobial activity in anionic systems (SLS, SLES), amphoteric systems (coco-betaine), and nonionic systems, giving formulators flexibility in base selection.
Broad pH Window
Active across pH 4–8, covering both acidic shampoo systems (pH 4.5–5.5) and neutral scalp serum formulations, without requiring pH adjustment buffers.
Clean Sensory Profile
Does not deposit residues, discolor white hair, or produce a medicinal odor. Finished products retain the intended fragrance and visual clarity.
Proven Safety Record
Non-phototoxic, non-comedogenic, and well-tolerated in repeated-wash clinical studies. Suitable for daily use in both adult and pediatric scalp care ranges.
Regulatory Acceptance
Approved as a cosmetic anti-dandruff ingredient in the EU, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Widely recognized in the personal care industry. Contact us for details on specific regional registration status.
Technical Specifications
Product Technical Parameters
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Trade Name | PO |
INCI Name | Piroctone Olamine |
CAS No. | 68890-66-4 |
Appearance | White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder |
Purity | ≥ 99.0% (HPLC) |
Function | Antimicrobial / Anti-dandruff / Deodorizing |
Recommended Dosage | 0.05% – 0.5% |
Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol, and organic solvents |
pH Stability | 4.0–8.0 |
Application | hampoos, scalp serums, hair tonics, conditioners, scalp treatments |
Shelf Life | 36 months |
why choose us
Our high-quality Piroctone Olamine ingredients
Cold-process compatible
Can be added at room temperature post-emulsification, reducing manufacturing cycle time.
Transparent system compatible
Dissolves readily in hydro-alcoholic systems, enabling crystal-clear tonic and serum formulations.
Viscosity neutral
Does not significantly alter product viscosity, sparing formulators from re-optimizing thickener systems.
Color-stable
No discoloration in finished products over time, even in white or pastel-colored bases.
Fragrance compatible
No inherent odor interference, preserving the target scent profile.
Temperature stable
Withstands standard production heating cycles up to 60°C without degradation.
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Technical Support Materials
COA Document
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary function of Piroctone Olamine in cosmetic formulations?Piroctone Olamine is primarily used as an anti-dandruff active in scalp care products. It selectively inhibits Malassezia species, the fungi most commonly associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Its secondary benefits include mild antimicrobial activity, sebum regulation, and scalp conditioning. It is suitable for both daily and intermittent-use formulations.
- What is the recommended dosage range for Piroctone Olamine?The recommended dosage depends on the product format. For rinse-off products such as shampoos and conditioners, a use level of 0.1–0.5% is standard. For leave-on products including scalp serums and hair tonics, 0.05–0.1% is typically sufficient. The optimal concentration should be confirmed through preservation efficacy testing and clinical evaluation.
- Is Piroctone Olamine compatible with sulfate-free surfactant systems?Yes. Piroctone Olamine is compatible with sulfate-free surfactant blends including sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and decyl glucoside. Its antimicrobial activity is maintained in mild surfactant systems. We recommend compatibility testing for each specific surfactant combination, as interactions can vary with co-formulated ingredients.
- Can Piroctone Olamine be used in combination with other anti-dandruff actives?Absolutely. Piroctone Olamine is frequently combined with zinc pyrithione, climbazole, or salicylic acid in multi-active anti-dandruff systems. These combinations can provide broader efficacy coverage and address multiple scalp concerns simultaneously. When formulating with multiple actives, ensure total active levels remain within regulatory limits for each target market.
- What pH range is optimal for Piroctone Olamine efficacy?Piroctone Olamine is effective within a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0, making it suitable for both acidic shampoo systems and neutral or slightly alkaline scalp treatment formulations. For optimal antimicrobial performance, we recommend maintaining the formulation pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
- What is the solubility profile of Piroctone Olamine?Piroctone Olamine is slightly soluble in water and readily soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol, and other organic solvents. For aqueous systems, pre-dissolving the active in a small amount of glycol or alcohol before addition is recommended to ensure uniform distribution. For clear formulations, hydro-alcoholic systems provide the best solubility outcome.
- Is Piroctone Olamine suitable for sensitive scalp formulations?Yes. Piroctone Olamine is considered a mild anti-dandruff active with a favorable irritation profile compared to traditional alternatives. It is non-phototoxic, non-comedogenic, and shows good tolerance in repeated-wash clinical studies. For formulations targeting sensitive scalps, combine Piroctone Olamine with soothing agents such as panthenol, allantoin, or bisabolol at the recommended leave-on dosage of 0.05–0.1%.