Piroctone Olamine is a synthetic compound found in many personal care products, particularly those for skin and hair. It is recognized for its effectiveness in promoting scalp health.
Its Chemical Makeup
Piroctone Olamine is an ethanolamine salt of a hydroxamic acid derivative, with the chemical formula C16H30N2O3. In its raw form, it appears as a white to yellowish crystalline powder.
It is slightly soluble in water and oil, but readily dissolves in ethanol and chloroform. Water solubility can be influenced by pH levels. Piroctone Olamine remains stable across a pH range of 3 to 9 and tolerates heat, though it can degrade when exposed to direct ultraviolet light.
How It Works
Piroctone Olamine functions as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent. It targets microorganisms that disrupt skin and scalp health, specifically interfering with the growth of Malassezia globosa, a fungus associated with dandruff.
It works by penetrating the fungal cell wall and forming complexes with iron, which inhibits the fungus’s energy metabolism within the mitochondria. This disrupts the fungal cell membrane and interferes with metabolic processes, preventing proliferation. It also inhibits ergosterol synthesis, essential for fungal cell membranes.
Where It Is Used
Piroctone Olamine is commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments. It is chosen for these applications due to its targeted efficacy against the Malassezia fungus, a primary contributor to dandruff. Its inclusion helps manage flaking and irritation on the scalp.
Beyond scalp care, Piroctone Olamine is also incorporated into other personal care products. These include conditioners, body washes, lotions, and certain cosmetic formulations. In these products, it often serves an additional role as a preservative or a general antimicrobial agent, contributing to product stability and hygiene.
Is It Safe to Use?
Piroctone Olamine has a low toxicity profile and is well-tolerated for topical applications. Regulatory bodies in regions like the United States, European Union, and Japan have approved its use in personal care products. It is classified as non-sensitizing, non-genotoxic, and non-teratogenic.
Side effects are rare and mild, such as slight skin irritation, redness, or dryness in sensitive individuals. For those with sensitive skin, a patch test before regular use is recommended. In rinse-off products, concentrations can reach up to 1%, while in leave-on products, concentrations are typically up to 0.5%.