Piroctone Olamine is an effective ingredient for controlling dandruff and promoting a healthy scalp. Piroctone Olamine works by controlling the growth of Malassezia, a yeast often present on the scalp and implicated in dandruff and related scalp conditions. This is achieved by disrupting the yeast's cell membrane, thereby inhibiting its multiplication and propagation.
Figure 1. Molecular structure of Piroctone Olamine
Piroctone olamine VS zinc pyrithione: Compared to the commonly used anti-dandruff agent zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine has the same anti-dandruff effect, with excellent solubility and compatibility, without precipitation or layering. Additionally, Piroctone olamine has low biotoxicity and is environmentally friendly. As the EU classifies zinc pyrithione as a CMR1B substance and prohibits its use in cosmetics, piroctone olamine will gradually replace the use of Zinc pyrithione.
Piroctone olamine VS Ketoconazole: While Piroctone Olamine works by inhibiting fungal growth and possesses antibacterial properties, Ketoconazole disrupts fungal cell membrane synthesis through ergosterol inhibition. Both are effective in alleviating dandruff symptoms, though Ketoconazole may exhibit slightly superior efficacy in severe cases. Besides, Piroctone Olamine is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, whereas Ketoconazole may occasionally lead to scalp irritation or dryness.
Piroctone Olamine Efficacy
Anti-dandruff
Antibacterial
Thickening
Deodorizing
Preservative
Benefits of Piroctone Olamine for Hair
1. Remarkable Anti-Dandruff And Anti-Itch Properties
Alongside effectively alleviating dandruff and itchiness, it remains gentle on the hair. The efficacy of Piroctone Olamine in combating dandruff and itchiness stems from its ability to proficiently hinder bacterial growth, decompose peroxides, and diminish the scalp's sensitivity to peroxide by-products. Its exceptional antioxidant properties enable it to inherently obstruct the external pathways of dandruff formation, thereby effectively addressing dandruff and scalp itchiness. This is one of the reasons why Piroctone Olamine's anti-dandruff and anti-itch properties outshine those of similar products.
Figure 2. Anti-dandruff action of Piroctone olamine [4]
No Greasy Aftermath
While many anti-dandruff agents available on the market boast antibacterial and anti-dandruff effects, they often come with potent degreasing capabilities. Prolonged usage of such agents can result in the shrinking of sebaceous glands within hair follicles and a decrease in sebum secretion. This not only hastens the aging process of epidermal cells and exacerbates dandruff but also leads to adverse effects like dryness, brittleness, and even flaking and breakage of hair strands. In contrast, Piroctone Olamine does not induce greasiness.
Excellent Solubility And Compatibility
Piroctone Olamine can be mixed with various hair conditioning agents (such as polyquaternium) and surfactants without causing precipitation or layering. Moreover, in certain circumstances, this combination can even enhance the solubility of Piroctone Olamine and its adhesion to the hair.
Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Properties
Piroctone Olamine possesses broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, making it suitable for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It exhibits good bacteriostatic effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with even better antifungal properties relative to bacteria.
Antioxidant
Piroctone Olamine can influence the enzyme system involving iron, which helps to slow down the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and other substances. This antioxidant effect fundamentally blocks the external pathways of dandruff production, effectively eliminating dandruff.
Low Irritation
Studies have demonstrated that piroctone olamine, upon absorption into the skin, does not accumulate but instead undergoes rapid decomposition without leaving residual substances. As a result, its absorption by the skin has no adverse effects, exhibiting minimal irritability. Furthermore, piroctone olamine swiftly binds with iron ions present in wastewater systems, thereby losing its original toxicity and posing minimal risk to aquatic organisms.
Huateng Pharma can provide high purity piroctone olamine, ensuring the highest quality standards for various applications in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Our commitment to quality and purity makes us a trusted supplier for manufacturers seeking top-grade ingredients for your products.
References:
[1] Leong C, Schmid B, Buttafuoco A, Glatz M, Bosshard PP. In vitro efficacy of antifungal agents alone and in shampoo formulation against dandruff-associated Malassezia spp. and Staphylococcus spp. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2019 Jun;41(3):221-227. doi: 10.1111/ics.12525. Epub 2019 May 9. PMID: 30851208.
[2] Hae Jeong Youn, Soo Young Kim, Minji Park, etc. Ann Dermatol. Vol. 28, No. 6(2016
[3] EBERHARD FUTTERER, PH.D., Hoecbst Aktiengesellscbaft. J. Soc. Cosmet., 32, 327-338(November 1981).
[4] Clariant source: Dr. E. Futterer ; medical Cosmetol 421 – 435 , 1985 “Investigations into the efficacy of soluble anti-dandruff agents