Piroctone Olamine

Piroctone Olamine

Gentle, broad-spectrum anti-dandruff and scalp-balancing active.

INCI Name: Piroctone Olamine

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Solubility: Soluble in alcohols and glycols; limited solubility in water

Typical Usage: 0.2–1%

Function: Antifungal, anti-dandruff, scalp conditioning

Piroctone Olamine is a well-established anti-dandruff active that helps control the growth of Malassezia species, a key contributor to dandruff, flaking, and scalp discomfort. It is valued for its effectiveness at low use levels and its excellent tolerability, making it suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on scalp formulations.

Why Piroctone Olamine?

Piroctone Olamine offers reliable antifungal performance while remaining gentler than many traditional anti-dandruff actives. Unlike zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, it is better suited for modern scalp care products, including leave-on tonics and serums designed for frequent or long-term use.

Key Benefits

• Helps reduce dandruff, flaking, and visible scalp scaling
• Targets the fungal root cause associated with dandruff
• Supports a balanced, healthier scalp environment
• Well tolerated and suitable for sensitive scalps
• Effective in both rinse-off and leave-on systems

Common Applications

• Anti-dandruff and balancing shampoos
• Scalp treatment serums and leave-on sprays
• Conditioners and scalp masks
• Dry or irritated scalp care formulations

Usage Guidelines

• Typical use level: 0.2–1%
• Rinse-off products: commonly 0.5–1%
• Leave-on products: typically 0.2–0.5%
• Pre-dissolve in ethanol, propylene glycol, or suitable glycols before incorporation
• Recommended formulation pH range: approximately 4–8

Formulation Notes

• Pairs well with panthenol, allantoin, and soothing botanical extracts
• Compatible with most surfactant systems and emulsion types
• Suitable for sulfate and sulfate-free shampoo bases

Regulatory Notes

• For cosmetic use only
• Approved for anti-dandruff use in the EU, US, and Canada
• Maximum allowed concentration: 1%

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Disclaimer

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material only. Not intended for direct application to the skin without proper formulation. Not a drug or medicinal ingredient.