Piroctone Olamine Solubilization in Shampoo
Piroctone olamine presents distinct solubility challenges in sulfate-free formulations, with conventional solubility typically limited to 0.5% w/w at neutral pH. Laboratory measurements indicate a logarithmic decrease in solubility as pH falls below 5.0, with precipitate formation observed within 48-72 hours in unbuffered systems when subjected to temperature cycling between 25°C and 40°C.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining stable piroctone olamine concentrations while eliminating sulfate-based surfactants that have traditionally served as both solubilizers and preservative potentiators.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including inter-polymer complexes of polyethylene glycol with polyacrylic acid, polyanionic solubility enhancers combined with buffer components, alternative surfactant systems, and stabilized microemulsion techniques. These and other approaches provide formulation scientists with practical methods to achieve piroctone olamine stability in sulfate-free systems without compromising antimicrobial efficacy or sensory properties.
1. Composition with Piroctone Olamine, Alcohol Solvent, Surfactants, and Fatty Acid Esters for Personal and Home Care Products
CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD, 2025
Composition for personal care and home care products like shampoo that has improved anti-dandruff efficacy and preservative properties compared to existing formulations. The composition contains piroctone olamine, a dandruff treatment ingredient, at 0.1-15% weight percentage. The piroctone olamine is dissolved in a solvent like alcohol at 15-35% weight percentage. Surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine are added at 17.5-28% weight percentage. Fatty acid esters or oils are added at 0.1-2% weight percentage. The composition also contains water at 25-55% weight percentage. The specific weight percentage ranges allow for effective anti-dandruff and preservative performance while maintaining solubility and aesthetic properties.
2. Transparent Hair Care Composition with Substituted 2-Pyridinol-N-Oxide, Glycol, Non-Ionic Surfactant, and Acid in Ethanol-Free Formulation
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2024
Multi-functional, transparent, ethanol-free hair care composition that delivers scalp benefits like anti-dandruff and anti-itch without using alcohol. The composition contains a substituted 2-pyridinol-N-oxide, glycol, non-ionic surfactant, monocarboxylic or polyprotic acid, water, and is pH 3.5-6.0. The pyridinol-N-oxide, surfactant, and acid solubilize scalp actives like piroctone olamine. The composition is transparent, non-sticky, and has 9 or fewer ingredients.
3. Hair Care Composition with Polyaspartate Derivative for Stabilizing Piroctone Olamine in Metal Ion Presence
CONOPCO INC D/B/A UNILEVER, 2024
Hair care composition for treating dandruff that improves the efficacy of antidandruff agent piroctone olamine by stabilizing it in the presence of metal ions. The composition contains piroctone olamine, a polyaspartate derivative, an anionic surfactant, and an amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant. The polyaspartate derivative forms a complex with metal ions to prevent piroctone olamine degradation. This stabilizes the antidandruff active and improves its effectiveness compared to piroctone olamine alone.
4. Composition with Piroctone Olamine, Surfactant, Alcohol Solvent, and Fatty Acid Ester or Oil
CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD, 2023
Composition comprising piroctone olamine for personal care products, particularly shampoos and conditioners, that combines effective anti-dandruff properties with preservative efficacy. The composition comprises piroctone olamine (0.2-10%), surfactant (17.5-30%), alcohol solvent (15-35%), fatty acid ester or oil (0.1-2%), and water (0.1-2%), with the weight ratio of each component being based on the total composition. This formulation provides a balance of solubility, preservative activity, and anti-dandruff efficacy, making it suitable for use in personal care products.
5. Surfactant Composition with Amphoteric and Ethoxylated Anionic Surfactants for Enhanced Piroctone Compound Deposition
CONOPCO INC DBA UNILEVER, 2023
Personal cleansing composition that enhances the deposition of piroctone compounds onto the scalp and hair through a novel surfactant formulation. The composition comprises surfactants, specifically an amphoteric surfactant and an ethoxylated anionic surfactant, with enhanced deposition capabilities. The surfactants achieve improved deposition of piroctone compounds, particularly piroctone olamine, onto the scalp and hair through a combination of surfactant properties and specific surfactant-olamine interactions. This composition addresses the common issue of poor deposition of piroctone compounds during washing, providing enhanced efficacy and improved performance compared to conventional formulations.
6. Premix for Hair Care Compositions Containing Piroctone Olamine with Co-Solvent and Water
CONOPCO INC D/B/A UNILEVER, 2022
A premix for hair care compositions that enables efficient dissolution of piroctone olamine, an anti-dandruff active, in water. The premix comprises piroctone olamine, a co-solvent, and water, and is prepared by mixing the components in a specific order. The premix is then incorporated into hair care compositions, such as shampoos and conditioners, to provide dandruff control benefits. The premix overcomes the challenges of dissolving piroctone olamine in water, which is typically difficult due to its low solubility.
7. Cosmetic Composition with Piroctone Olamine and Multi-Hydroxyl Alcohol or Plant Extract Boosters
CLARIANT INT LTD, 2022
Boosters enhance the anti-dandruff activity of piroctone olamine while preserving cosmetic formulations. The boosters are selected from alcohols with 2-5 hydroxyl groups and plant extracts, and are combined with piroctone olamine in cosmetic compositions like shampoos and hair conditioners. The combination provides enhanced anti-dandruff efficacy while maintaining preservative activity, making it suitable for anti-dandruff shampoos and hair care products.
8. Hair Treatment Composition with Silicone-Enhanced Piroctone Deposition via Cationic Polymer Stabilization
UNILEVER GLOBAL IP LTD, 2021
A hair treatment composition that enhances piroctone deposition onto the hair and scalp during washing, overcoming the common issue of poor deposition. The composition comprises an oil-in-water emulsion with a silicone, piroctone compound, and a cationic polymer containing dimethyl diallyl ammonium. The cationic polymer ensures stable solubilization of piroctone in the silicone phase, while the silicone enhances its interaction with the hair and scalp.
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