HomeIngredient LibraryPiroctone Olamine

Preservative

Piroctone Olamine

Piroctone Olamine is a preservative, anti-dandruff, antifungal, antimicrobial used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.05%–1%. It is both-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–8 range.

At a glance

CAS number
68890-66-4
INCI name
Piroctone Olamine
Function
preservative, anti-dandruff, antifungal, antimicrobial
Typical use level
0.05%–1%
Solubility
both
Stable pH
4–8

CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.

Also known as

Octopirox 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2(1H)-pyridinone ethanolamine salt Piroctone Ethanolamine OPT

Compatibility

Works well with:
Zinc Pyrithione Salicylic Acid Glycerin Panthenol Niacinamide Cetrimonium Chloride

Use caution with:
Strong oxidizing agents High concentrations of iron or heavy metal ions

Piroctone Olamine can form complexes with metal ions such as iron and copper, which may reduce its efficacy; chelating agents like EDTA can help mitigate this. It is compatible with most common cosmetic surfactants and conditioning agents at typical use levels. It can be combined with Zinc Pyrithione for enhanced anti-dandruff efficacy in shampoo formulations.

Formulation notes

Piroctone Olamine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal agent primarily used as an anti-dandruff active, effective against Malassezia species implicated in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It also functions as a secondary preservative in leave-on and rinse-off formulations. It is generally considered well-tolerated and is a popular alternative to Zinc Pyrithione for formulators seeking a cleaner or more cosmetically elegant profile.

Frequently asked questions

What is Piroctone Olamine?

Piroctone Olamine is a preservative, anti-dandruff, antifungal, antimicrobial used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.05%–1%. It is both-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–8 range.

What is Piroctone Olamine used for?

Piroctone Olamine is used as preservative, anti-dandruff, antifungal, antimicrobial in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.

What is the typical use level of Piroctone Olamine?

Piroctone Olamine is typically used at 0.05%–1% in the finished formulation. Always confirm against your supplier's technical data sheet.

What is the CAS number of Piroctone Olamine?

The CAS registry number for Piroctone Olamine is 68890-66-4. Its INCI name is Piroctone Olamine.

At what pH is Piroctone Olamine stable?

Piroctone Olamine is generally stable in the pH 4–8 range.

What ingredients are compatible with Piroctone Olamine?

Piroctone Olamine works well with Zinc Pyrithione, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Cetrimonium Chloride. Use caution when combining it with Strong oxidizing agents, High concentrations of iron or heavy metal ions.

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