Piroctone Olamine
Description
Piroctone Olamine – Benchmark anti-dandruff active ingredient
Piroctone Olamine is an ingredient specifically developed for the care of scalp prone to dandruff. It is one of the most widely used active ingredients in modern anti-dandruff shampoos, valued for its efficacy and for a safety profile superior to older active ingredients in the same category.
From a regulatory standpoint, Piroctone Olamine is listed in Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as an authorized substance fulfilling the function of a preservative in cosmetic products, alongside its main function of caring for scalp with visible dandruff.
Ellemental Piroctone Olamine is of high purity in crystalline powder form, easy to incorporate into shampoo or scalp treatment formulations.
Ingredients (INCI): Piroctone Olamine
Technical Characteristics
- Appearance: White crystalline powder; faint, characteristic odor
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol
- Quality: High purity; controlled ethanolamine content and strict nitrosamine levels
- Recommended Dosage: 0.05 - 1.00 %
Scientific Studies and Documentation
Piroctone Olamine is extensively documented in scientific literature as having a favorable safety profile, confirmed both by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and independent evaluations (CIR).
A safety assessment report conducted by the SCCNFP (predecessor of the SCCS) included several toxicological and dermatological tests: a human repeated insult patch test (HRIPT) at a concentration of 0.5% showed no irritation or sensitization reactions; a human use test at concentrations of 0.2% and 1.0% in shampoos revealed no adverse reactions; animal irritation tests indicated a mild level of skin irritation at a concentration of 1% and eye irritation at 0.5%. The cutaneous penetration rate measured in experimental studies was approximately 4.5% of the topically applied dose, considered low.
A comparative clinical study cited in specialized literature tested Piroctone Olamine at a concentration of 0.5% compared to zinc pyrithione (another established anti-dandruff active) at 1.0%. Results showed equal or superior efficacy of Piroctone Olamine regarding both the reduction of visible dandruff and scalp comfort, despite the twice lower concentration used.
Properties and Benefits
- Fights the appearance of dandruff and supports a clean-looking scalp
- Contributes to a sensation of scalp comfort, reducing itching sensations associated with dandruff
- Preservative role, authorized under Annex V of the Cosmetic Regulation
- Increases viscosity in salt-thickening systems (relevant for shampoos)
- Good skin tolerance at recommended dosages
Applications
- Shampoos for dandruff-prone scalp
- Scalp treatments and lotions
- Soaps and hair cleansing products
- Secondary preservative role in various cosmetic formulations
Formulation Guide
- Dosage: according to Annex V of the Cosmetic Regulation, the maximum legal concentration is 1% in rinse-off products (shampoos, rinsed products) and 0.5% in leave-on products (treatments, lotions, serums); in practice, anti-dandruff efficacy is typically achieved at 0.5 - 1% in shampoos
- Disperse in the aqueous phase of the formula, ideally at lower viscosity prior to thickening, for uniform distribution
- Stable across a pH range between 5 and 8
- Limited water solubility and moderate oil solubility; prior dispersion/solubilization testing is recommended for clear formulations
- Avoid pairing with ingredients that may release nitrosating agents (for example certain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives or nitrates)
- Observe legal maximum limits based on product type (1% rinse-off, 0.5% leave-on)
Usage Safety and Storage
- Profile: Ingredient with a favorable safety profile at recommended dosages, evaluated by independent European scientific committees; can be slightly irritating to skin and eyes at concentrations close to the maximum legal limit
- Precautions: External cosmetic use; observe legal maximum concentration limits based on product type
- Storage: Store in a closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children
Details
Reviews
Write a valid review and earn loyalty points worth €0.40