Piroctone Olamine (Octopirox®): An Anti-Fungal Agent

Description

Piroctone Olamine Powder is a cosmetic raw material widely used in anti-dandruff and scalp-care formulations.

Formulators use it in shampoos, scalp tonics, hair treatments, and rinse-off cleansing products. In addition, it works well in formulas designed to reduce the visible appearance of flakes and support a cleaner, fresher scalp feel.

This ingredient is commonly used as an alternative to older anti-dandruff actives in many modern haircare systems. Therefore, it is a strong choice for brands developing scalp-care products with a gentle cosmetic positioning.

This raw material is for professional cosmetic formulation only. Do not apply the raw powder directly to the scalp or skin.

Technical Information

Specification	Details
INCI Name	Piroctone Olamine
CAS Number	Commonly 68890-66-4
Ingredient Type	Cosmetic anti-dandruff and scalp-care ingredient
Physical Form	White to slightly yellowish powder
Cosmetic Function	Anti-seborrheic, preservative, scalp-care support
Typical Use Level	Follow supplier TDS and local regulations
Processing Temperature	Preferably below 40–45°C when possible
Solubility	Limited water solubility; soluble or dispersible in suitable solvent and surfactant systems
Storage	Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, dark place

Note: Exact CAS number, assay, purity, solubility, particle size, and recommended dosage should be confirmed from the supplier COA, TDS, and MSDS.

Key Benefits

Visible Flake Control

Piroctone Olamine helps reduce the visible appearance of scalp flakes. As a result, it is widely used in anti-dandruff shampoo and scalp-care formulas.

Cleaner Scalp Feel

This ingredient supports a cleaner and fresher scalp feel. Therefore, it is suitable for products made for oily, flaky, or uncomfortable scalp conditions within cosmetic claim limits.

Scalp Comfort Support

Piroctone Olamine works well in gentle scalp-care formulas. In addition, it can be combined with soothing and moisturizing ingredients to improve the overall scalp-care experience.

Modern Anti-Dandruff Positioning

Skincare and haircare brands can use this ingredient in modern anti-dandruff systems. For this reason, it is suitable for premium shampoos, scalp tonics, and professional haircare products.

Haircare Compatibility

Piroctone Olamine can be used in rinse-off and selected leave-on scalp products, depending on local regulations and supplier guidance.

Recommended Applications

Piroctone Olamine Powder is suitable for:

• Anti-dandruff shampoos
• Scalp-care shampoos
• Flaky scalp products
• Scalp tonics
• Hair cleansing products
• Professional haircare products
• Oily scalp formulations
• Men’s scalp-care products

How to Use

Pre-dissolve or disperse Piroctone Olamine Powder according to the supplier technical data sheet.

Use a suitable solvent, surfactant system, or carrier system.

Add it during the cool-down stage when possible.

Keep the processing temperature controlled.

Avoid poor dispersion because it may cause crystallization, sedimentation, or weak product performance.

Also, check compatibility with surfactants, salts, polymers, fragrances, preservatives, and botanical extracts.

Furthermore, test the final formula for stability, clarity, viscosity, pH, color, odor, and performance before launch.

Formulation Tips

Piroctone Olamine needs proper solubilization or dispersion. Therefore, formulators should not add the powder directly into a simple water phase without a suitable system.

In shampoos, it usually works better in well-designed surfactant bases. However, the final solubility depends on surfactant type, solvent system, pH, salt level, fragrance, and processing method.

For clear formulas, solubility testing is very important. For opaque formulas, stable dispersion may be acceptable if the product remains uniform during storage.

Cosmetic Mechanism of Action

Piroctone Olamine supports anti-dandruff cosmetic performance by helping control the visible signs of flaky scalp.

It is commonly used in formulas that target scalp freshness, visible flakes, and oily scalp appearance.

However, brands should present it as a cosmetic scalp-care ingredient only. It is not a drug, medical antifungal treatment, or therapy for fungal infection.

Piroctone Olamine Powder

Suggested Cosmetic Claims

Suitable claims:

• Helps reduce the visible appearance of dandruff flakes
• Supports a cleaner scalp feel
• Helps improve scalp freshness
• Suitable for anti-dandruff shampoos
• Supports scalp-care formulations
• Helps reduce visible flakes
• Suitable for oily scalp products
• Ideal for modern scalp-care systems

Avoid these claims unless legally reviewed for the target market:

• Treats fungal infections
• Kills fungus
• Cures dandruff
• Treats seborrheic dermatitis
• Treats scalp disease
• Prevents hair loss
• Promotes hair growth
• Medical antifungal action
• Therapeutic scalp treatment

Regulatory Notes

Piroctone Olamine is regulated differently by market and product type. In the EU, it is restricted by product category and use level. Therefore, brands must check the local cosmetic regulation before launch.

For EU-style compliance, common reference limits are 1.0% in rinse-off products and 0.5% in other cosmetic products, calculated in the finished product.

Final product compliance depends on the target market, concentration, product type, safety assessment, label claims, and full formulation.

This raw material is not for oral, injectable, medical, pharmaceutical, or direct consumer use.

Product Advantages

• Cosmetic-grade Piroctone Olamine Powder
• Suitable for anti-dandruff scalp-care products
• Works in shampoo and scalp-care systems
• Supports visible flake control
• Suitable for professional haircare formulations
• Good choice for modern scalp-care brands
• COA, TDS, and MSDS available upon request

Overall, Piroctone Olamine Powder is a strong choice for brands that want cosmetic scalp-care products focused on visible flake control, scalp freshness, and cleaner-looking hair.

Shipping Information

Free worldwide shipping.

Estimated delivery time: 10–15 business days, depending on destination and logistics conditions.