Zinc Pyrithione Stabilization in Sulfate-Free Shampoo Formulations
Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) presents significant stability challenges in sulfate-free formulations, where pH variations between 4.0-6.0 can reduce antimicrobial efficacy by up to 40% during standard shelf-life conditions. Metal ion contamination, particularly from iron and copper sources at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm, triggers formation of pyrithione-metal complexes that manifest as visible discoloration and diminished biocidal performance over time.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining ZPT's structural integrity and antimicrobial efficacy while eliminating traditional sulfate-based stabilization systems that consumers increasingly avoid.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including pyranone compound chelation mechanisms, cationic surfactant delivery systems, controlled alkyl chain length technologies, and strategic incorporation of soluble zinc salts. These and other approaches demonstrate practical pathways to formulate stable, high-performance ZPT products that meet market demands for sulfate-free compositions while preserving antimicrobial efficacy throughout shelf life.
1. Personal Care Composition with Controlled Oily Compound Alkyl Chain Length for Reduced Crystallization in Aqueous Formulations
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2024
A personal care composition that reduces crystallization of solid organic compounds like antidandruff agents when dissolved in aqueous conditioning formulations containing cationic surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds. The composition contains specific oily compounds, one with low water solubility and a particular alkyl chain length, and limits higher alkyl chain length oily compounds. This reduces crystallization of the solid organic compounds. The composition also has a lower amount of higher alkyl chain length oily compounds compared to lower chain length ones.
2. Hair Care Composition with Zinc Pyrithione, Cationic Surfactant System, and Nonionic Carrier in Gel Matrix
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2023
Hair care composition that provides improved deposition of zinc pyrithione on scalp without the conventional glucan gum, guar gum, and hydroxyethylcellulose. The composition comprises a zinc pyrithione-based active agent, a cationic surfactant system, and a nonionic carrier, all combined in a gel matrix. This composition delivers zinc pyrithione to the scalp with enhanced deposition characteristics compared to conventional formulations.
3. Composition with Pyrithione and Pyranone Compounds Featuring Iron Ion Chelation Mechanism
ARCH CHEMICALS INC, 2020
Composition containing a pyrithione compound and a pyranone compound, and a method of reducing the discoloration of compositions containing pyrithione compounds in the presence of iron ions. The composition contains a pyrithione compound and a pyranone compound, with the pyranone compound specifically designed to chelate iron ions. The pyranone compound is added in a concentration range of 0.01% to 3% by weight, with the iron chelator concentration in the composition typically ranging between 0.01% to 3% by weight. The pyranone compound effectively prevents the formation of pyrithione-iron complexes in formulations containing pyrithione compounds, thereby maintaining color stability.
4. Water-Based Color Paste with Pyridinethione-Infused Fungicidal Composition and Enhanced Stability Components
NIPPON PAINT CHINA CO LTD, 2020
Water-based color paste for automatic tinting machines that inhibits mold growth while maintaining color stability. The paste contains a broad-spectrum fungicide that prevents mold development without compromising the paste's performance characteristics like color strength and compatibility. The fungicide, pyridinethione, replaces traditional isoxazolinone fungicides and is formulated with emulsogens and wetting agents to enhance paste stability. The paste's anti-mold properties are demonstrated through rigorous testing, including microbial challenge and mold resistance evaluations.
5. Synergistic Antimicrobial Composition of Zinc Pyrithione and Zinc Salt of Pyridine Carboxylic Acid
JUBILANT LIFE SCIENCES LTD, 2019
Zinc pyrithione-zinc salt of pyridine carboxylic acid synergistic antimicrobial formulation for personal care, paint, and coating applications. The composition combines zinc pyrithione with zinc salt of pyridine carboxylic acid in concentrations ranging from 0.01-50% w/w and 0.001-30% w/w, respectively, to achieve enhanced antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining low environmental impact. The formulation demonstrates improved performance against a broad spectrum of microorganisms compared to zinc pyrithione alone, with reduced leaching and potential for improved performance in various end-use applications.
6. Cleansing Composition with Soluble Zinc Salt and Zinc Thione for Stability in Acidic pH
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.
7. Bar Soap Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and Metal-Pyridine Oxide Complex Particles
Procter & Gamble Company, The Procter & Gamble Company, 2018
Bar soap composition comprising zinc pyrithione and metal-pyridine oxide complex particles, and more particularly to a bar soap composition having enhanced resistance to discoloration, extended shelf life, and increased antimicrobial efficacy. The composition comprises a zinc pyrithione, a metal-pyridine oxide complex, and at least one surfactant. The bar soap exhibits improved color stability and resistance to discoloration, particularly in the presence of high concentrations of ferric or divalent copper ions.
8. Interior Wall Coating with Bamboo Charcoal and Nano Zinc Oxide for Mildew Resistance
HOU JUAN, 2018
A mildew-resistant interior wall coating that combines water-based formulation with advanced properties. The coating contains a combination of bamboo charcoal powder, talc, diatomaceous earth, composite filler, heavy calcium powder, light calcium carbonate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, pH adjuster, zinc pyrithione, octyl isothiazolinone, trimethylolpropane, dodecyl alcohol ester, sodium lauryl sulfate, white clam shell powder, nano zinc oxide, nano titanium dioxide, bauxite, vanadium carbide, and leveling agent. The formulation provides enhanced mold resistance while maintaining water-based characteristics, making it suitable for interior applications requiring both durability and aesthetic appeal.
9. Biocidal Composition with Isothiazolinone, Pyrithione, Zinc Compound, and Organic Amine in Synergistic Ratio
LONZA INC, 2018
A biocidal composition comprising isothiazolinone, pyrithione, zinc compound, and organic amine enhances antimicrobial efficacy against microorganisms. The composition combines isothiazolinone, pyrithione, zinc compound, and organic amine in a synergistic ratio that provides superior biocidal activity compared to individual components. The composition is particularly effective against bacteria and fungi, with the synergistic effect demonstrating a fractional inhibitory concentration of less than 1 when tested against a target microorganism.
10. Synergistic Antimicrobial Formulation Incorporating Lenacil and Zinc Pyrithione for Building Materials
DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, 2017
Method for inhibiting microbial growth in building materials through synergistic antimicrobial formulations containing lenacil and zinc pyrithione. The method involves combining lenacil with zinc pyrithione in a controlled ratio to create a synergistic antimicrobial composition. The composition can be applied to building materials, such as dry film coatings, to prevent microbial growth while maintaining their performance.
11. Biocidal Coating Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and Pyrrole Derivative Mixture
ARCH CHEM INC, 2017
A biocidal coating composition comprising a mixture of zinc pyrithione and pyrrole derivative that prevents microbial growth and inhibits microbial attack on surfaces. The composition combines the biocidal properties of zinc pyrithione with the antifouling properties of pyrrole derivatives, creating a broad-spectrum biocide that is effective against a wide range of microbes. The composition is formulated in a paint base and can be applied using conventional coating techniques.
12. Sequential Application Method for Zinc Pyrithione Deposition Using Dual-Composition System
宝洁公司, THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2017
Enhancing the deposition of zinc pyrithione in personal care products to improve antimicrobial efficacy. The method involves applying a cleansing composition followed by a composition containing zinc pyrithione, where the zinc pyrithione is applied in a concentration of 15% or less by weight of the composition. This dual-action approach combines the antimicrobial properties of zinc pyrithione with the cleansing action of the cleansing composition, resulting in enhanced antimicrobial protection.
13. Solid Concentrate Composition with Zinc Pyrithione, Surfactants, and pH Buffer System
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2017
Solid concentrate composition comprising zinc pyrithione (ZPT) and surfactants in a controlled ratio, with a pH buffer system maintaining optimal stability. The composition has a penetration hardness of 20-50N, enabling effective application in soap formulations. The composition comprises from 5% to 25% by weight of ZPT and from 8% to 85% by weight of surfactants, with a pH buffer system comprising organic acids and/or salts to maintain stability.
14. Hair Care Composition with Metal Pyrithione and Silicone Compound Containing Amine or Quaternary Ammonium and Alkylene Oxide Groups
PROCTER & GAMBLE, 2017
Hair care composition comprising a metal pyrithione and a silicone compound having an amine or quaternary ammonium group, and an alkylene oxide group. The composition provides improved deposition of zinc pyrithione on scalp through a unique combination of a cationic surfactant system and a silicone compound with a quaternary ammonium group.
15. Hair Care Composition with Linear Silicone Backbone for Enhanced Zinc Pyrithione Deposition
PROCTER & GAMBLE, 2017
Hair care composition that enhances the deposition of zinc pyrithione on scalp. The composition comprises a cationic surfactant system, a high melting point fatty compound, a metal pyrithione, a silicone compound with a linear silicone backbone, an amine or quaternary ammonium group, and an alkylene oxide group, and an aqueous carrier. The silicone compound with a linear silicone backbone provides improved deposition of zinc pyrithione compared to branched silicone compounds.
16. Zinc Pyrithione Dispersion with Synergistic Preservative System and Uniform Stability
KOLON LIFE SCIENCE, 2016
A zinc pyrithione water dispersion composition with enhanced antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi, maintaining stability through a synergistic preservative combination. The composition comprises zinc pyrithione, thiamine dilauryl sulfate, salts, and glyceryl monoalkylether, with a specific combination of preservatives achieving broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining uniform dispersion properties.
17. Zinc Pyrithione Dispersion Stabilization via Cationic Polymer-Induced Electrostatic Repulsion and Anionic Surfactant Steric Hindrance
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2015
Stabilizing zinc pyrithione (ZPT) dispersions in the presence of cationic polymer and anionic surfactant through electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance. The stabilization mechanism involves creating electrostatic charges on the ZPT particles through cationic polymerization and surfactant modification, while preventing particle aggregation through steric hindrance. The cationic polymer enhances electrostatic repulsion between particles, while the surfactant modifies the surface charge to prevent particle settling. This dual-stabilization approach enables stable ZPT dispersions in concentrated formulations.
18. Solid Concentrate Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and Surfactants for Controlled Release
PROCTER & GAMBLE, 2015
Solid concentrate composition comprising zinc pyrithione (ZPT) with enhanced antimicrobial activity, specifically formulated as a powder or liquid dispersion for applications requiring stable and controlled release of the active agent. The composition comprises 5-25 wt% ZPT and 8-85 wt% surfactants, with a specific formulation that maintains the antimicrobial efficacy over time. The composition can be used in various applications, including industrial cleaning products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, where the controlled release of ZPT is critical for maintaining its effectiveness.
19. Hair Conditioner with Polyhydric Alcohol, Pyrithione Zinc, and Amino Denatured Silicone
LION CORP, 2015
A hair conditioner that provides enhanced smoothing properties in humid environments while maintaining lightness. The conditioner combines a polyhydric alcohol, pyrithione zinc, and amino denatured silicone to improve skin barrier function and prevent dandruff. The formulation maintains optimal moisture balance and smoothness even in high-humidity conditions, while preserving the conditioner's skin-resurfacing properties.
20. Hair Care Composition with Polyquaternium-6 and Zinc Pyrithione for Enhanced Infundibulum Deposition
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2015
Enhancing deposition of zinc pyrithione (ZnPy) in the infundibulum through a hair care composition that combines polyquaternium-6 (PQ6) with ZnPy. The composition comprises a cationic surfactant system, a high melting point fatty compound, and an aqueous carrier. The surfactant system, comprising a combination of mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts, enhances the deposition of ZnPy in the infundibulum, where sebum contributes to dandruff formation. The composition provides improved deposition of ZnPy in the infundibulum compared to conventional formulations.
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