Description
Description
Piroctone Olamine is the ethanolamine salt of piroctone and a specialty scalp-care active used internationally in rinse-off and leave-on hair-care systems. Its combination of antimicrobial activity and useful compatibility with surfactant bases makes it particularly valuable for shampoos, scalp tonics, conditioners, and cleansing systems designed around flake-control and scalp hygiene.
Chemical & Technical Profile
| INCI / Identity | Piroctone Olamine |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 68890-66-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C16H30N2O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 298.43 g/mol |
| Physical Form | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Moderately soluble in water; improved solubility in surfactant and alcohol/water systems |
| Functional Category | Scalp-care antimicrobial active |
Mechanism of Action / Technical Function
The active interferes with fungal cellular function by chelating metal ions required for microbial metabolic processes and disrupting membrane-associated enzymatic activity. It is particularly associated with control of Malassezia species, organisms strongly linked with dandruff ecology. The olamine salt improves handling and formulation compatibility compared with the parent piroctone acid, allowing practical use in aqueous surfactant systems.
Formulation Guidelines
Pre-dissolve in an appropriate aqueous, hydroalcoholic, or surfactant-compatible phase before final batch addition. Confirm complete dissolution before viscosity adjustment. Final performance depends on pH, surfactant architecture, deposition, rinse profile, and contact time; increasing active concentration cannot compensate for a weak delivery system. Avoid introducing the active into highly concentrated electrolyte zones. In clear shampoos, evaluate clarity after fragrance, salt, and preservative addition because these variables can alter solubility.
Compatibility & Stability
Monitor precipitation, color, odor, pH, viscosity, and active compatibility throughout stability. Fragrance oils and high electrolyte loads can reduce clarity. The active is not a replacement for the preservative system and should be assessed independently from microbial preservation efficacy.
R&D, Scale-Up & Quality Control
For Piroctone Olamine Powder, incoming and in-process QC should control active dissolution, pH, clarity, and low-temperature precipitation.
Packaging, Shipping & Storage
Supplied in a sealed aluminum pouch. Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct light and high temperatures. Avoid moisture ingress after opening.
Applications
Scalp shampoos, conditioning shampoos, scalp tonics, leave-on scalp systems, conditioners, cleansing treatments, and professional hair-care formulations.
Regulatory Note
U.S. finished products making dandruff-treatment claims may fall within the OTC drug framework; raw-material availability does not establish claim authorization.
F***a –
Equal to the description I haven’t tried it yet, when I try it I’ll say if it works.