Anti-Dandruff Active Stability Through pH Buffer Control
Maintaining precise pH conditions in anti-dandruff formulations remains a critical challenge for formulators. At too low a pH (below 3.0), active ingredients like zinc pyrithione and dipotassium glycyrrhizate lose stability, while at higher pH ranges (above 5.5), the efficacy of fungistatic components diminishes significantly against Malassezia species. Measurement data confirms that optimal anti-dandruff activity occurs within narrow pH bands—typically between 3.5 and 5.0—where both ingredient stability and antimicrobial action reach equilibrium.
The challenge lies in creating buffer systems that maintain this optimal pH range while accommodating diverse active ingredients, surfactant systems, and conditioning agents without compromising formulation clarity or sensory attributes.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including organic zinc salt combinations, natural extract buffering systems, polyquaternium stabilization techniques, and acid blend preservative approaches. These and other approaches provide formulators with practical methods to maintain pH stability throughout product shelf life while maximizing the bioavailability of anti-dandruff actives.
1. Personal Care Compositions with Natural Anti-Dandruff Agents and Surfactant-Cationic Polymer Systems
COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO, 2024
Personal care compositions for alleviating, reducing, and/or eliminating dandruff that contain natural anti-dandruff agents like dipotassium glycyrrhizate. The compositions also have surfactant systems and cationic polymers for cleansing and conditioning. The dipotassium glycyrrhizate provides superior dandruff inhibition compared to zinc pyrithione. The compositions have pHs from 2.5 to 5 and can be used as shampoo.
2. Shampoo with Composite Zinc Ingredient Comprising Organic Zinc Salts and Zinc Pyrithione
GUANGDONG CEDAR COSMETIC CO LTD, 2022
Compound zinc composition antidandruff shampoo that stabilizes zinc pyrithione to prevent discoloration and turbidity. The shampoo contains a composite zinc ingredient formed by combining at least one water-soluble organic zinc salt with zinc pyrithione. The organic zinc salts like zinc lactate, zinc gluconate, or PCA zinc provide free zinc and stabilize pyrithione, reducing discoloration. The composite zinc ingredient is prepared by dissolving surfactants, silicone oil, lactic acid, chelating agent, and thickener in water, then adding the composite zinc. This stabilized composite zinc antidandruff shampoo combines the antidandruff effects of pyrithione and zinc with moisturizing properties.
3. Scalp Cleansing Composition with Polyquaternium-52, Ethanol, and Dandruff-Relieving Component
AE KYUNG INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2021
Scalp cleansing composition to relieve dandruff that contains polyquaternium-52, ethanol, and a dandruff-relieving component. The composition improves dandruff care while containing lower amounts of irritating dandruff-relieving components. Polyquaternium-52 at 0.01-1% w/w provides delivery, ethanol at 0.1-1% w/w enhances use experience, and the dandruff-relieving component at 0.01-1% w/w reduces dandruff. This allows lower dandruff-relieving component amounts to reduce skin irritation compared to higher concentrations. Other ingredients like surfactants, viscosity modifiers, pH modifiers, conditioning agents, flavors, preservatives, and proteins can also be
4. Biocidal Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and C8-C18 Quaternary Ammonium Salt
JUBILANT LIFE SCIENCES LTD, 2020
A stable, transparent or opaque biocidal composition comprising zinc pyrithione alone or in combination with a c8-c quaternary ammonium salt 18, preferably cetylpyridinium chloride. The composition has enhanced bioavailability and improved antifungal activity, particularly in low concentrations, while maintaining transparency and stability over time. The quaternary ammonium salt enhances the antifungal efficacy of zinc pyrithione, particularly against Malassezia and dandruff-causing microorganisms, without compromising the formulation's transparency or stability.
5. Shampoo Composition with Specific Proportions of Natural Extracts and Surfactants
GUANGZHOU FAYASI FINE CHEMICALS CO LTD, 2020
Anti-dandruff and oil-control shampoo that effectively controls dandruff and scalp oil through a unique blend of natural ingredients. The formulation combines ginger, Sophora flavescens, kidney tea, and Cnidium monnieri extracts with surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. The proprietary blend of zinc, dimethiconol, and zinc gluconate provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while the guar hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride enhances cleansing efficacy. The shampoo maintains a balanced pH and is formulated with ingredients like erythritol, benzyl alcohol, and sodium benzoate to prevent irritation and dryness.
6. Formulation Comprising Zinc Gluconate, Versatase, and Salicylic Acid in Deionized Water Solution
OGUZ SEYFI, 2019
A novel combination for treating dandruff, oily hair, and seborrheic dermatitis that addresses the underlying causes of these conditions. The formulation combines 0.85-1.5% zinc gluconate, 0.280.39% versatase, and 0.85-1.19% salicylic acid in a 25-45% deionized water solution. The combination provides effective anti-dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis treatment while addressing oily hair and scalp issues through its unique formulation of zinc gluconate and zinc pyrithione. The addition of versatase enhances salicylic acid penetration, while versatase's synergistic effect with zinc gluconate creates a potent combination for removing dead skin cells and controlling sebum secretion.
7. Shampoo Formulation with Integrated Surfactants, Emollients, and Antioxidants for Balanced pH and Moisture Maintenance
HU XIAOLONG, 2019
A shampoo that simultaneously cleanses and protects the hair and scalp while addressing dandruff and itchiness. The formulation combines a gentle cleansing agent with anti-dandruff and anti-itch properties, along with moisturizing and repairing ingredients. The shampoo contains a balance of surfactants, emollients, and antioxidants that work together to clean and condition the hair while addressing scalp issues. The formulation maintains a balanced pH and moisture level, with a unique blend of ingredients that provides both cleansing and protective benefits.
8. Personal Cleansing Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and Zinc Thione Stabilized by Soluble Zinc Salt in Acidic pH Environment
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2018
Personal cleansing composition that maintains optimal levels of zinc pyrithione throughout its shelf life, even in acidic pH environments, through the incorporation of a soluble zinc salt. The composition comprises a surfactant, zinc pyrithione, zinc thione, and a pH-adjusting agent like citric acid, all within a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. The zinc thione is specifically formulated to maintain its antimicrobial activity in low pH conditions, while the zinc salt enhances stability through accelerated aging. The formulation ensures consistent performance of the zinc pyrithione component throughout the product's shelf life.
9. Shampoo Formulation with Piroctone Olamine and Plant Extracts for Dandruff Removal
ZHU YAODENG, 2018
Net Run Shoulder shampoo formulation that effectively removes dandruff without harming health. The shampoo contains ingredients like surfactants for cleaning, thickeners for texture, conditioning agents for hair care, flavoring, pH regulators, and additives. It lacks harmful chemicals. The formulation removes dandruff using ingredients like piroctone olamine salt, while nourishing the scalp and hair with plant extracts.
10. Aqueous Shampoo Composition with Stable Suspension of Insoluble Anti-Dandruff Agents
LUBRIZOL ADVANCED MATERIALS INC, 2017
A composition that maintains a stable suspension of insoluble anti-dandruff agents in aqueous shampoo formulations, while maintaining acceptable viscosity and foaming properties. The composition comprises a suspension composition capable of achieving a substantial and unexpected reduction in the separation of insoluble substances such as particulate anti-dandruff agents, while maintaining acceptable viscosity and foaming properties.
11. Scalp Treatment Kit with Dual-Action Detergent and pH-Balanced Post-Treatment Compositions
PANNOC CHEMIE, 2015
A kit for treating dandruff and other scalp conditions that provides long-term efficacy without irritation. The kit combines a detergent composition with a post-treatment composition that maintains a pH range of 4.0-6.5, which is characteristic of the scalp's natural pH. This pH range inhibits the growth of Malassezia fungi, the primary cause of dandruff, while maintaining a protective barrier on the skin. The detergent composition contains an active anti-dandruff ingredient that kills or inhibits the fungi, while the post-treatment composition provides an additional layer of protection through its pH buffering properties. This dual-action approach enables sustained control of dandruff and other scalp conditions without the need for frequent pH adjustments.
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