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KOPIROX is a compound sometimes used in the treatment of fungal infections.
KOPIROX is a popular ingredient in hair care products that treat dandruff and other scalp conditions.
KOPIROX is effective at controlling the growth of Malassezia, a yeast that can contribute to dandruff and other scalp issues.
CAS Number: 68890-66-4
Molecular Formula: C16H30N2O3
Molecular Weight: 298.43
EINECS Number: 272-574-2
Synonyms: PIROCTONE OLAMINE, 68890-66-4, Octopirox, Octopyrox, Piroctone ethanolamine, Piroctone ethanolamine salt, PIROCTONE ETHANOLAMINE SALT (1:1), Piroctoneolamine, Piroctone olamine [USAN], Kopirox, Keratolux, Allermyl, UNII A4V5C6R9FB, NSC-759894, RefChem 57832, DTXSID4046735, DTXCID2026735, CHEBI 59008, EINECS 272-574-2, EC 272-574-2, SCHEMBL2843, CHEMBL2107154, MFCD01690792, HMS5084D15, AKOS025149526, CCG-267454, CS-7659, FP15907, AC-37618, AS-15254, DA-66751, P2178, D05505, Q412572, orb1310350, HY-B1345, HY-B1345R, MSK21074, s5213, 890P664, SBI-0653392.0001, BTSZTGGZJQFALU-UHFFFAOYSA-N, Piroctone olamine USP Reference Standard, Piroctone ethanolamine [WHO-DD], Piroctone olamine analytical standard, 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one compound with 2-aminoethanol (1:1), 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2-pyridone monoethanolamine salt, Ethanol 2-amino compound with 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone (1:1), 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-1,2-dihydropyridin-2-one and 2-aminoethanol, 2(1H)-Pyridinone,1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-,compd.with2-aminoethanol(1:1);4,4-trimethylpentyl)-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(compd.with2-2(1h)-pyridinon;octopiroxolamine;1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1h)-pyridinoncompd.with2-aminoethanol(1:1);Hydroxyl pyrazole ketones;1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)2-pyridon monoethanolamine;1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl);-one compound with 2-aminoethanol (1:1)
KOPIROX is the 1:1 salt form of piroctone combined with monoethanolamine and is widely used in anti-dandruff cosmetic products.
KOPIROXs antifungal activity is particularly effective against Malassezia species and helps regulate the microbial balance of the scalp.
KOPIROX is commonly preferred as an alternative to zinc pyrithione in shampoos, hair lotions, and medicated scalp treatments.
By controlling the growth of this yeast, KOPIROX can help to reduce or eliminate dandruff.
KOPIROX has moisturizing properties that can help to soothe and hydrate the scalp.
This can help prevent dryness, flakiness, and itching, common symptoms of dandruff and other scalp conditions.
KOPIROX is safe for use on coloured hair and will not cause fading or strip colour.
KOPIROX not only controls the growth of Malassezia, but it also prevents the growth of other fungi that can cause scalp problems.
KOPIROX has been shown to have a longer-lasting effect than some other dandruff-fighting ingredients, meaning you may be able to go longer between washes.
KOPIROX is gentle on the scalp, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
KOPIROX is a compound that is known for its bacteriostatic and fungicidal properties specially working against Pityrosporum ovale that lives on the skin.
KOPIROX is associated with dandruff and other manifestations of flaking of face and scalp.
KOPIROX is also known as Octopirox.
KOPIROX is the 1:1 salt formed by the combination of piroctone with monoethanolamine, and it is widely incorporated into anti-dandruff cosmetic and dermatological formulations due to its good stability and compatibility with surfactant systems.
Its antifungal activity is especially strong against Malassezia species, which are considered the primary microorganisms responsible for dandruff formation, and by inhibiting their growth it helps restore and maintain the natural microbial balance of the scalp.
For this reason, it is frequently used as an effective and safer alternative to KOPIROX in shampoos, hair tonics, leave-on scalp treatments, and other medicated personal care products designed for sensitive or irritated scalp conditions.
Melting point: 134.0–138.0 °C
Boiling point: 135–235 °C (at 101,325 Pa)
Density: 1.1 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
Vapor pressure: 0–0 Pa (at 20–25 °C)
Storage temperature: Inert atmosphere, 2–8 °C
Solubility: Chloroform (slightly, sonicated), Methanol (slightly)
pKa: 5.9–7.4 (at 20 °C)
Form: Solid
Color: White to off-white
Water solubility: 400–50,000 mg/L (at 20–25 °C)
Merck Index: 14,7502
Major application: Agriculture, environmental
Cosmetic ingredient functions: Preservative; Anti-seborrheic
InChI: InChI=1S/C14H23NO2.C2H7NO/c1-10-6-12(15(17)13(16)8-10)7-11(2)9-14(3,4)5;3-1-2-4/h6,8,11,17H,7,9H2,1-5H3;4H,1-3H2
InChIKey: BTSZTGGZJQFALU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: C(N)CO.C(C1=CC(C)=CC(=O)N1O)C(C)CC(C)(C)C
LogP: 1.05–3.86 (at 20–25 °C)
KOPIROX, also known as Octopirox, is an antifungal and antibacterial agent commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
KOPIROX works by inhibiting the growth of various microorganisms, including yeasts and fungi, by disrupting their cell membranes and interfering with their metabolism.
Specifically, piroctone olamine targets the enzymes responsible for synthesizing the cell membrane of microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and causing their eventual death.
KOPIROX also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and itching on the scalp and skin.
Freely soluble in 10% ethanol in water; soluble in solution containing surfactants in water or in 1%-10% ethanol; slightly soluble in water and in oil.
The solubility in water varies by pH value, and is a litter larger in neutral or weak basic solution than in acid solution.
KOPIROX should be kept in mind that shampoos with Piroctone Olamine should not be used more than twice a week, unlike other daily-use shampoos that don't have this ingredient.
One of the biggest side effects of KOPIROX is that it can cause irritation and itchiness on the head.
KOPIROX is the 1:1 salt formed from piroctone and monoethanolamine, and it is widely used in cosmetic and dermatological formulations because of its high antifungal efficacy, chemical stability, and good solubility in surfactant-based systems.
KOPIROXs primary mechanism of action involves chelation of metal ions within fungal cells, which disrupts mitochondrial energy metabolism and leads to inhibition of cell growth and replication, particularly in dandruff-associated Malassezia species.
By reducing fungal load and associated inflammatory responses, KOPIROX helps decrease scalp flaking, itching, erythema, and discomfort, thereby improving overall scalp health and hair appearance.
In addition to its antifungal activity, KOPIROX also exhibits mild antibacterial effects, which further contributes to maintaining a balanced scalp microbiome and preventing secondary microbial infections.
It is compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients, including anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, making it suitable for use in shampoos, conditioners, hair serums, and leave-on scalp lotions.
Regulatory authorities in many countries permit its use at controlled concentrations in rinse-off and leave-on products, reflecting its favorable safety profile when applied according to cosmetic guidelines.
Compared to traditional anti-dandruff agents such as zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, KOPIROX is often preferred in modern formulations due to lower odor, better cosmetic elegance, and reduced risk of hair discoloration.
It is also valued for its long-lasting antifungal effect, which allows extended protection against dandruff recurrence even after washing.
Therefore, KOPIROX is considered a multifunctional active ingredient that supports both therapeutic efficacy and consumer-preferred sensory properties in scalp care products.
Uses:
KOPIROX is used in combination with other substances as a part of shampoo effectively reduced the amount of dandruff and, at the same time, provided hair conditioning advantages.
Recently was shown, that KOPIROX could induce apoptosis and possessed a significant in vivo effect against myeloma.
KOPIROX is primarily used in anti-dandruff shampoos to control scalp flaking by inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing fungi and reducing excessive desquamation of the scalp.
It is also widely incorporated into hair conditioners and scalp lotions to provide prolonged antifungal protection and to soothe irritated or sensitive scalp conditions associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
In leave-on hair tonics and serums, KOPIROX helps maintain long-term microbial balance on the scalp, thereby preventing the recurrence of dandruff between washing cycles.
KOPIROX is used in medicated cosmetic formulations intended for mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis, where it contributes to reducing redness, itching, and inflammation through both antifungal and indirect anti-inflammatory effects.
It is sometimes included in facial cleansers and body washes designed for oily or acne-prone skin due to its ability to suppress fungal and certain bacterial populations involved in follicular inflammation.
In professional dermatological products, it is utilized as a supportive active ingredient in combination therapies to enhance the overall effectiveness of antifungal scalp treatments.
In addition to therapeutic uses, KOPIROX is applied in preventive personal care products aimed at maintaining scalp hygiene and preventing microbial imbalance in individuals prone to recurrent dandruff.
KOPIROX is suitable for daily-use formulations because it does not significantly alter hair texture or color and shows good compatibility with common cosmetic additives such as fragrances, preservatives, and conditioning agents.
Therefore, it is commonly selected by formulators seeking an effective, cosmetically elegant, and regulatory-approved antifungal active for routine hair and scalp care products.
KOPIROX is extensively used in over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos as a primary active ingredient to control chronic flaking by suppressing fungal proliferation on the scalp surface.
It is included in post-treatment maintenance shampoos to prevent relapse in individuals who have previously undergone antifungal therapy for seborrheic dermatitis.
In scalp treatment masks and exfoliating products, it supports deep cleansing while maintaining antimicrobial protection during and after the treatment process.
In clinical cosmetic formulations, KOPIROX is used in products designed for sensitive scalps where harsher antifungal agents may cause irritation or dryness.
It is preferred in formulations intended for long-term use because it allows continuous microbial control without significantly disturbing the natural skin barrier function.
This makes it particularly suitable for individuals with recurrent dandruff who require regular preventive care rather than short-term intensive treatment.
KOPIROX is incorporated into cleansing products for areas prone to fungal imbalance, such as chest, back, and intertriginous zones, especially in individuals with oily skin types.
It is used in body washes formulated for fungal acne-prone skin to reduce follicular yeast overgrowth while maintaining skin comfort.
Some intimate hygiene products also contain KOPIROX at low concentrations to help control yeast-related discomfort while respecting mucosal sensitivity.
In pharmaceutical-cosmetic hybrid products, KOPIROX is applied as an adjunct active in formulations combined with keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid to enhance scale removal and improve active penetration.
It is also combined with anti-inflammatory botanical extracts or soothing agents to provide multi-target scalp therapy addressing both microbial and inflammatory components of dandruff.
Thus, it serves as a versatile multifunctional component in integrated scalp and skin management strategies.
In industrial and professional hair care products, KOPIROX is used in salon-grade treatments intended to rebalance the scalp microbiome after chemical procedures such as coloring or perming.
It helps reduce post-procedure scalp irritation and microbial sensitivity that may arise due to temporary disruption of the skin barrier.
Therefore, it is valued not only for therapeutic control but also for protective and restorative functions in professional cosmetic applications.
Safety Profile:
KOPIROX is generally considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated concentrations, but direct contact with eyes may cause irritation, redness, and temporary discomfort.
Prolonged or repeated skin exposure, especially on damaged or highly sensitive skin, may lead to mild irritation, itching, or contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
In rare cases, allergic skin reactions such as erythema or localized swelling have been reported following topical application.
Inhalation of dust or aerosolized particles during industrial handling or manufacturing processes may irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing or throat discomfort.
Occupational exposure should therefore be minimized through appropriate ventilation systems and the use of personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves.
Accidental ingestion is not expected under normal cosmetic use conditions, but swallowing large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting.
KOPIROX may be harmful to aquatic organisms if released into water systems in high concentrations, and it may contribute to long-term environmental effects due to its antimicrobial activity.
Proper disposal procedures should be followed to prevent contamination of surface water and wastewater treatment systems.
Environmental exposure is mainly associated with manufacturing waste rather than consumer product use.
KOPIROX should be handled with care in laboratory settings, as it may cause irritation upon contact with mucous membranes or broken skin.
Safety data sheets recommend avoiding contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure, and washing thoroughly after handling.
