Piroctone Olamine
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What Is Piroctone Olamine?
A modern anti-dandruff active considered safer and more effective than zinc pyrithione. It is a hydroxamic acid derivative with potent antifungal properties against Malassezia yeasts.
Source: Synthetic organic compound
Origin: Synthetic
Also known as: Octopirox, Piroctone Ethanolamine
What Does Piroctone Olamine Do to Your Hair?
Kills Malassezia fungi on the scalp more effectively than zinc pyrithione while being gentler on hair. Does not discolor hair or strip color. Also has some hair growth-supporting properties by reducing follicular inflammation.
Best For
Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, oily scalp, color-treated hair, all hair types
Not Recommended For
None known
Concentration Matters
0.5-1% in shampoos
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Generally safe with a better safety profile than zinc pyrithione. Does not cause color fading. ECOCERT-approved. More cosmetically elegant than traditional anti-dandruff actives. Widely used in premium anti-dandruff products.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA permits use in cosmetics. Not classified as an OTC drug active (unlike ZPT) so used as a cosmetic ingredient.
EWG Score: 2/10
HairAide Verdict
The premium replacement for zinc pyrithione in modern anti-dandruff products. Color-safe, effective, and gentle. If you need dandruff control without compromising your hair color, this is the ingredient to seek.
Products That Contain Piroctone Olamine
Anti-dandruff shampoos, scalp treatments, color-safe dandruff products
Alternatives to Piroctone Olamine
If you want to avoid Piroctone Olamine, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Zinc Pyrithione, Ketoconazole, Climbazole
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Piroctone Olamine has a safety rating of 8/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Generally safe with a better safety profile than zinc pyrithione. Does not cause color fading. ECOCERT-approved. More cosmetically elegant than traditional anti-dandruff actives. Widely used in premium anti-dandruff products.
Piroctone Olamine is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Piroctone Olamine is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Piroctone Olamine include: Zinc Pyrithione, Ketoconazole, Climbazole
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