Product Description
Piroctone Olamine, CAS 68890-66-4, is the ethanolamine salt of piroctone and belongs to the hydroxypyridone class of compounds. Also known as Piroctone Ethanolamine and commonly associated with the name Octopirox, it is used primarily as an anti-dandruff active ingredient in personal care formulations.
Its principal application is in scalp and hair care products designed to help control dandruff-associated microorganisms, including Malassezia yeast. Depending on the overall formulation, it may be incorporated into shampoos, scalp treatments, and selected rinse-off or leave-on hair care products.
Piroctone Olamine is generally supplied as a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder. Its limited water solubility means that incorporation into a finished product requires attention to the solvent system, surfactant blend, pH, processing temperature, and long-term stability. Compatibility should be established through laboratory testing rather than assumed from the ingredient's intended use.
For commercial formulation, buyers should confirm the required purity, appearance, particle characteristics, impurity limits, and applicable cosmetic-grade documentation. The finished product must also comply with the cosmetic ingredient requirements of its intended market.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Piroctone Olamine |
| CAS Number | 68890-66-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₃₀N₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 298.42 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Hydroxypyridone Derivative; Ethanolamine Salt |
| Synonyms | Piroctone Ethanolamine, Octopirox |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | Approximately 130–138°C, depending on source and grade |
| Water Solubility | Low; reported values vary by test conditions |
| Solubility Profile | Solubility depends on the solvent system; verify compatibility in the intended formulation |
| Primary Function | Anti-dandruff cosmetic active |
| Main Application Area | Hair care and scalp care products |
| Quality Parameters | Purity, appearance, melting range, impurities, and applicable microbiological or analytical specifications |
| Storage | Follow the supplier's current SDS and product-specific storage recommendations |
Note: Values are reference data, not guaranteed specifications for every commercial grade. Request the current TDS, SDS, and batch-specific COA before production use.
Product Applications
1. Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Piroctone Olamine is widely used in anti-dandruff shampoo formulations to help control dandruff-associated microorganisms. Formulators should verify its distribution, stability, and compatibility with the surfactant system.
2. Scalp Care Treatments
It can be considered for scalp-focused products designed to address visible flakes and maintain scalp cleanliness. The suitability of each formulation depends on the intended use, ingredient concentration, and applicable cosmetic regulations.
3. Hair Conditioners and Treatment Products
Selected conditioner and hair treatment systems may incorporate Piroctone Olamine where compatible with the product's base. Solubility, deposition, and storage stability should be assessed during development.
4. Leave-On Scalp Products
Depending on local regulatory requirements and formulation performance, it may be evaluated in selected leave-on scalp products. Finished-product safety, exposure, stability, and permitted-use conditions must be confirmed before commercialization.
5. Specialty Personal Care Formulations
Piroctone Olamine may also be considered for other compatible personal care products where its intended cosmetic function is appropriate. The ingredient's inclusion should be supported by formulation testing and market-specific compliance review.
FAQ
Q1: What is Piroctone Olamine mainly used for?
It is primarily used as an anti-dandruff active in shampoos and other hair or scalp care formulations.
Q2: Is Piroctone Olamine the same as Piroctone Ethanolamine?
Yes. Piroctone Ethanolamine is a recognized alternative name for Piroctone Olamine. Octopirox is also a commonly associated name. Confirm the CAS number and ingredient identity when comparing products.
Q3: Is Piroctone Olamine readily soluble in water?
No. It has limited water solubility, so formulation developers should assess the solvent system, surfactant compatibility, pH, and processing method to obtain a stable product.
Q4: What should buyers check before purchasing?
Confirm purity, appearance, melting range, impurity profile, packaging, shelf life, and the availability of current TDS, SDS, and batch-specific COA documentation. Also verify that the grade meets the cosmetic regulations applicable to the intended market.
Q5: Can it be used at any concentration in cosmetic products?
No. The permitted concentration and product types depend on the applicable regulations in the destination market. Verify current regulatory requirements and conduct appropriate finished-product safety and stability assessments before use.
