Quick Search
Piroctone ethanolamine is primarily used in anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp lotions, hair tonics, and medicated hair care products.
Piroctone ethanolamine helps control dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp microbial imbalance.
Piroctone ethanolamine is also used in leave-on scalp serums and dermatological formulations aimed at sensitive or irritated scalps.
CAS Number: 68890-66-4
Molecular Formula: C16H30N2O3
Molecular Weight: 298.43
EINECS Number: 272-574-2
Synnonyms: PIROCTONE OLAMINE, 68890-66-4, Octopirox, Piroctone ethanolamine, Kopirox, Octopyrox, Piroctoneolamine, Piroctone ethanolamine salt, Piroctone olamine [USAN], UNII-A4V5C6R9FB, EINECS 272-574-2, A4V5C6R9FB, 2-aminoethanol;1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)pyridin-2-one, NSC-759894, PIROCTONE ETHANOLAMINE SALT (1:1), EC 272-574-2, NSC 759894, Piroctone olamine (USAN), 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2-(1H)pyridinone, 2-aminoethanol salt, PIROCTONE OLAMINE (MART.), PIROCTONE OLAMINE [MART.], PIROCTONE OLAMINE (USP-RS), PIROCTONE OLAMINE [USP-RS], 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2-pyridone monoethanolamine salt, 1-HYDROXY-4-METHYL-6-(2,4,4-TRIMETHYLPENTYL)-2-PYRIDONE MONOETHANOLAMINE, (+/-)-, 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one 2-aminoethanol salt,
Piroctone ethanolamine, also known as piroctone olamine, is the ethanolamine salt of piroctone and is widely used as an antifungal agent in cosmetic and dermatological products.
Piroctone ethanolamine is formed by combining piroctone with monoethanolamine in a 1:1 molar ratio, which improves its water solubility and formulation stability.
This salt form makes it suitable for incorporation into aqueous and surfactant-based systems such as shampoos and scalp treatments.
Piroctone ethanolamine works by chelating iron ions that are essential for fungal metabolism and growth.
By limiting iron availability, it inhibits the proliferation of Malassezia species, which are strongly associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
This mechanism helps reduce flaking, itching, redness, and scalp irritation.
Piroctone ethanolamine is considered an effective alternative to zinc pyrithione in many anti-dandruff formulations.
It shows good stability over a wide pH range and remains active in the presence of surfactants and conditioning agents.
Piroctone ethanolamine also provides long-lasting antifungal protection even after rinsing.
In some cases, it is included in facial cleansers and body washes designed for fungal-prone or acne-prone skin.
It can be used in combination with other actives such as salicylic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, or botanical extracts to improve overall scalp health.
This combination approach supports both antifungal control and skin barrier repair.
Piroctone ethanolamine is generally considered safe for cosmetic use at regulated concentrations but may cause mild skin or eye irritation in sensitive individuals.
Direct contact with eyes can result in stinging, redness, and temporary discomfort.
Prolonged or repeated exposure in occupational settings may cause contact dermatitis in susceptible persons.
Protective gloves and eye protection are recommended during industrial handling of concentrated raw material.
Piroctone ethanolamine is not classified as acutely toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic at cosmetic-use levels.
However, as with many biocidal agents, excessive release into the environment should be avoided to reduce ecological impact on aquatic microorganisms.
Piroctone ethanolamine, commonly referred to as piroctone olamine, is the monoethanolamine salt of piroctone that is designed to enhance solubility and ease of formulation in water-based cosmetic systems.
The salt form increases dispersion in surfactant solutions and improves compatibility with other shampoo and cleanser ingredients.
It appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder and is typically used at low concentrations due to its high biological activity.
Chemically, piroctone is a hydroxamic acid derivative, and the ethanolamine forms an ionic pair that stabilizes the molecule in aqueous environments.
This structure allows it to strongly chelate iron ions that are vital for fungal respiration and enzyme systems.
By depriving fungi of iron, it suppresses cell growth and disrupts metabolic pathways.
Piroctone ethanolamine shows particularly strong activity against Malassezia furfur and related species that dominate the scalp microbiome in dandruff conditions.
Reduction of these microorganisms leads to decreased scalp inflammation and normalization of skin cell turnover.
As a result, visible flakes and itching are significantly reduced with regular use.
Compared to zinc pyrithione, piroctone ethanolamine has good stability in clear formulations and does not impart opacity or color.
It remains effective over a wide pH range, typically from mildly acidic to neutral cosmetic pH values.
This makes it suitable for sulfate-free, mild, and sensitive-skin formulations.
Piroctone ethanolamine is extensively used in anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, scalp lotions, and therapeutic hair tonics.
It helps control dandruff recurrence and supports long-term scalp microbiome balance.
Piroctone ethanolamine is also used in dermatological cleansers for seborrheic dermatitis affecting the face, ears, and chest.
These products target fungal overgrowth while remaining gentle enough for frequent use.
In leave-on scalp treatments, it provides continuous antifungal protection between washes.
This is particularly useful for chronic dandruff sufferers who require maintenance therapy.
Piroctone ethanolamine can be combined with keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid to enhance flake removal.
It is also paired with soothing ingredients like allantoin, bisabolol, and panthenol to reduce irritation.
Melting point: 134.0 to 138.0 °C
Boiling point: 135-235℃[at 101 325 Pa]
Density: 1.1[at 20℃]
vapor pressure: 0-0Pa at 20-25℃
storage temp.: Inert atmosphere,2-8°C
solubility: Chloroform (Slightly, Sonicated), Methanol (Slightly)
pka: 5.9-7.4[at 20 ℃]
form: neat
color: White to Off-White
Water Solubility: 400-50000mg/L at 20-25℃
Merck: 14,7502
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℃
Piroctone ethanolamine, is a salt formed between piroctone and monoethanolamine to improve water solubility and formulation compatibility.
The ethanolamine component increases ionic character, allowing the molecule to disperse evenly in aqueous surfactant systems.
This makes it particularly suitable for transparent shampoos, gels, and liquid cleansers.
The molecule belongs to the hydroxamic acid derivatives, which are known for strong metal-chelating properties.
Its ability to bind iron is critical because iron is an essential micronutrient for fungal enzyme systems.
By depriving fungi of iron, cellular respiration and growth are effectively suppressed.
It demonstrates high antifungal efficacy at very low concentrations, typically between 0.1–1.0% in cosmetic products.
This allows formulators to achieve therapeutic benefits without significantly altering product sensory properties.
It also maintains stability under storage and repeated heating–cooling cycles during manufacturing.
Piroctone ethanolamine is chemically stable in the presence of common surfactants, conditioning polymers, and silicones.
It does not significantly interact with anionic or amphoteric surfactants, which helps preserve formulation clarity and viscosity.
This compatibility simplifies formulation design for multi-functional hair care products.
It also exhibits mild antibacterial activity in addition to antifungal effects.
This contributes to overall microbial balance on the scalp and skin.
However, its primary cosmetic function remains dandruff control rather than broad antimicrobial preservation.
Piroctone ethanolamine is a popular ingredient in hair care products that treat dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Piroctone ethanolamine is effective at controlling the growth of Malassezia, a yeast that can contribute to dandruff and other scalp issues.
By controlling the growth of this yeast, Piroctone ethanolamine can help to reduce or eliminate dandruff.
Piroctone ethanolamine 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.
Piroctone ethanolamine is safe for use on coloured hair and will not cause fading or strip colour.
Piroctone ethanolamine not only controls the growth of Malassezia, but it also prevents the growth of other fungi that can cause scalp problems.
Piroctone ethanolamine 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.
Piroctone ethanolamine, also known as Octopirox, is an antifungal and antibacterial agent commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
It works by inhibiting the growth of various microorganisms, including yeasts and fungi, by disrupting their cell membranes and interfering with their metabolism.
Specifically, Piroctone ethanolamine targets the enzymes responsible for synthesizing the cell membrane of microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and causing their eventual death.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and itching on the scalp and skin.
Piroctone ethanolamine may cause mild to moderate eye irritation if splashed directly into the eyes.
Temporary redness or stinging can occur, especially with concentrated raw material.
Skin irritation is uncommon at cosmetic-use levels, but sensitive individuals may experience itching or mild dermatitis.
Patch testing is recommended for leave-on products intended for sensitive scalps or facial skin.
In occupational settings, repeated handling of powders or concentrated solutions may increase the risk of contact sensitization.
Appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and dust control measures are advised during manufacturing.
Environmental data indicate low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, but as an antimicrobial agent it may affect microbial ecosystems if released in large amounts.
Therefore, proper waste management and controlled discharge are recommended in industrial applications.
Uses Of Piroctone ethanolamine:
Piroctone ethanolamine 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 Piroctone ethanolamine could induce apoptosis and possessed a significant in vivo effect against myeloma.
It is widely used in anti-dandruff shampoos to control flaking and itching associated with Malassezia overgrowth on the scalp.
Regular use helps restore normal scalp cell turnover and reduces visible dandruff.
It is used in hair conditioners and 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner products to provide continued antifungal protection after cleansing.
This helps prevent rapid recurrence of dandruff between washes.
Piroctone ethanolamine is incorporated into leave-on scalp tonics, serums, and ampoules to deliver prolonged antifungal activity directly to the scalp.
These products are often recommended for chronic or recurrent dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Piroctone ethanolamine is used in dermatological cleansers for seborrheic dermatitis affecting the face, ears, and upper chest.
These formulations help reduce redness, scaling, and microbial imbalance in oily skin areas.
Piroctone ethanolamine is included in facial cleansers and body washes designed for fungal-associated acne and folliculitis.
By limiting fungal growth, it supports clearer skin and reduced inflammation.
Piroctone ethanolamine is combined with keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid to enhance removal of thick or adherent flakes.
This combination improves penetration of the antifungal active and speeds up visible improvement.
It is formulated together with soothing and barrier-support ingredients like panthenol, allantoin, and niacinamide.
This helps reduce irritation while maintaining antifungal efficacy.
Piroctone ethanolamine is used in professional dermatological and pharmacy-only hair treatments for medically managed dandruff conditions.
These products are often part of long-term maintenance therapy programs.
Piroctone ethanolamine is widely used in anti-dandruff shampoos to control flaking, itching, and scalp irritation caused by Malassezia overgrowth.
Continuous use helps normalize scalp microbiota and reduce relapse frequency.
It is used in daily-use and medicated shampoos because it remains effective even in mild, sulfate-free surfactant systems.
This makes it suitable for sensitive scalp and color-treated hair formulations.
Piroctone ethanolamine is incorporated into hair conditioners and post-wash scalp products to extend antifungal protection after rinsing.
This helps maintain treatment efficacy between shampoo applications.
Piroctone ethanolamine is commonly used in leave-on scalp tonics, serums, sprays, and ampoules that target chronic dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
These products provide prolonged contact time and continuous microbial control.
Piroctone ethanolamine is applied in dermatological facial cleansers for seborrheic dermatitis affecting the eyebrows, nose folds, ears, and beard area.
This helps reduce redness, scaling, and fungal-driven inflammation in oily facial zones.
Piroctone ethanolamine is used in body washes for fungal folliculitis and seborrheic skin conditions on the chest, back, and shoulders.
These formulations help reduce recurrent breakouts associated with yeast proliferation.
Piroctone ethanolamine is included in products for oily and acne-prone skin where fungal involvement is suspected.
This supports clearer skin when combined with conventional antibacterial acne treatments.
Piroctone ethanolamine is formulated with keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid or lactic acid to improve desquamation and remove adherent flakes.
This enhances penetration and effectiveness of the antifungal active.
Piroctone ethanolamine is combined with anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair ingredients such as panthenol, allantoin, ceramides, and bisabolol.
This allows effective dandruff control while minimizing irritation and dryness.
Piroctone ethanolamine is used in professional salon scalp treatments and dermatology-dispensed hair therapies.
These are often part of structured treatment protocols for persistent scalp disorders.
Piroctone ethanolamine is applied in cosmetic products marketed for microbiome balance and scalp detox concepts.
These products aim to regulate microbial populations rather than aggressively stripping the scalp.
Piroctone ethanolamine is used in combination antifungal systems with climbazole, ketoconazole (in medical products), or zinc derivatives to broaden antifungal coverage.
Such combinations can improve treatment response in resistant or recurrent dandruff cases.
Safety Profile Of Piroctone ethanolamine:
Piroctone ethanolamine may cause eye irritation if it comes into direct contact with the eyes, leading to stinging, redness, and tearing.
Eye exposure should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water to reduce irritation.
Skin irritation is uncommon at cosmetic-use concentrations, but sensitive individuals may experience itching, redness, or mild contact dermatitis.
This risk is higher with leave-on products or when applied to damaged or inflamed skin.
In occupational settings, repeated or prolonged skin contact with concentrated raw material may increase the risk of sensitization.
Protective gloves and appropriate work clothing are recommended during manufacturing and formulation.
Inhalation of dust or aerosols from the raw material can irritate the respiratory tract.
Good ventilation and dust control are advised in production environments.
Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or stomach irritation.
Because it is not intended for oral use, accidental ingestion should receive medical evaluation.
Piroctone ethanolamine is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction at cosmetic exposure levels.
Safety assessments support its use within regulated concentration limits in personal care products.
From an environmental perspective, as an antimicrobial agent it may affect aquatic microorganisms if released in significant quantities.
Although it is not highly toxic to fish or invertebrates, uncontrolled discharge may disrupt biological wastewater treatment systems.
