98% Piroctone Olamine Powder
What Is Piroctone Olamine?
Piroctone olamine (OCT) is a highly effective antibacterial ingredient widely used in personal care products, particularly effective in reducing dandruff, combating inflammation, and improving scalp health. It can be widely used in cosmetic products such as antidandruff shampoos, hair serums, and conditioners.
Basic Properties
Other Names: 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1H)-pyridone ethanolamine salt.
Appearance: White powder
Solubility: Freely soluble in ethanol, soluble in aqueous solutions containing surfactants, and slightly soluble in water.
Mechanism of Action
Its antidandruff and anti-itching mechanism is to fundamentally block the external pathways of dandruff production through its bactericidal and antioxidant effects, effectively eliminating dandruff and alleviating itching, rather than temporarily removing dandruff through methods such as degreasing. This is one of the reasons why its antidandruff and anti-itching properties are superior to similar products. It is an anti-dandruff active ingredient that soothes an inflamed scalp and reduces dandruff. It has special effects against Pityrosporum ovale, the pathogen that causes dandruff. Antidandruff products containing piroctone olamine can destroy the fungal infection that causes dandruff and inhibit the formation of new flakes, keeping the scalp clean, relieving itching, and preventing new flakes.
Properties of Piroctone Olamine
pH Value
OCT is stable over a wide pH range and has broad practical applications within the pH range of 3-9.
Thermal Stability
OCT has excellent thermal stability. Even during the production process, temperatures occasionally exceeding 80°C are not affected. Shampoo products containing OCT have been shown to withstand storage at 40°C for one year.
Light Stability
The active components of OCT degrade under direct exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, OCT should be stored away from light as much as possible.
Main Benefits of Piroctone Olamine
1. Antibacterial Effect
OCT effectively inhibits the growth of Malassezia fungi at relatively low concentrations, thus effectively combating dandruff. OCT has a strong antibacterial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, primarily due to its ability to inhibit the transport of substrates such as leucine, ultimately leading to cell membrane rupture and thus achieving a bactericidal and antibacterial effect. OCT also has a strong antibacterial effect against molds and yeasts, primarily due to its ability to form complexes with iron (III) ions, inhibiting mitochondrial energy metabolism in fungi, thereby achieving a bactericidal and antibacterial effect.
2. Effect on Scalp Lipids
After four weeks of use, a shampoo containing 0.1% OCT reduced total sebum secretion by only 3.9%, compared to a 3.0% reduction in the control sample, a difference of only 0.9%. Furthermore, the reduction in sebum secretion after using an OCT-containing shampoo was 9.6%, less than 10%, which is within the normal range of sebum changes in humans. OCT does not have a degreasing effect; while it removes dandruff, it does not damage the scalp.
3. Anti-dandruff Effect
Both OCT and ZPT treatments showed significant reductions in dandruff, demonstrating their effectiveness in combating dandruff. OCT treatment reduced dandruff by 81.7%, while ZPT treatment reduced dandruff by 68.6%, demonstrating OCT's superior effectiveness.
Applications Of Piroctone Olamine
Piroctone Olamine is a highly effective yet mild antibacterial ingredient primarily used in the following areas:
Scalp Care
Anti-Dandruff and Anti-Itch: By inhibiting the growth of Malassezia, it reduces dandruff, making it particularly suitable for sensitive scalps. Compared to traditional anti-dandruff ingredients (such as zinc pyrithione), it is less irritating and safer, and can be used in leave-in hair products.
Improving Seborrheic Dermatitis: It relieves scalp inflammation and itching, helping maintain a healthy scalp.
Facial Care
Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis: It targets redness and flaking in sebaceous gland-rich areas such as the nose and between the brows, improving symptoms by inhibiting Malassezia.
Reducing Closed Comedones: It regulates closed comedones caused by Malassezia on the forehead and other areas, balancing the skin's flora.
Other Applications
Preservative: It acts as a mild preservative in cosmetics, inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth.
Soap Bactericide: It has thickening and antibacterial properties, enhancing product performance.
