The Best Ciclopirox Olamine Dandruff Shampoos

Dandruff Deconstructed is reader-supported. All reviews are independent and any products reviewed are purchased by the site owner. To help fund this model, some of the links on the site are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from one of these links, this site will receive some commission. At no cost to you. It helps keeps this place running. Learn more

Ciclopirox Olamine is an antifungal agent that can be found in many popular antidandruff shampoos, such as Stiprox and Oilatum Scalp.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what the active ingredient is, what conditions it’s most effective at controlling before telling you our favorite ciclopirox olamine shampoos on the market today.

In this article:

What is Ciclopirox Olamine?

Unlike antimicrobials we’ve covered previously (e.g. Formaldehyde-releasers), ciclopirox is added as an active ingredient and not just to prolong shelf-lives.

A range of formulations are available to treat different conditions, including [1]:

In shampoo, ciclopirox is normally added as a 1-1.5% solution [2], which should be applied twice weekly (although instructions vary by brand, and so you should always read the label!).

How does it work?

Antifungals are one of the first-line, pharmacological treatments for dandruff.

Antidandruff shampoos contain either non-specific antifungals (e.g. Zinc, or Selenium Sulfide), or specific (e.g. Ketoconazole, or Ciclopirox Olamine) – finding the correct one can be trial-and-error.

The exact process that leads to dandruff is not well understood, but a number of factors and contributing conditions can be responsible [3]:

etc

Each of these underlying conditions can cause inflammation, which alters the turnover of cells on the scalp, making an individual more susceptible to fungal skin infections (further increasing inflammation).

By treating the fungal infection, inflammation is reduced, and so dandruff will be less severe [4].

Recent studies have identified a bacterial component, but further research is required to determine the exact mechanism.

The antimicrobial action of ciclopirox is relatively novel and complex, especially compared to other antifungals (which primarily alter steroid synthesis). Ciclopirox attaches to iron and aluminum cations, which inhibits enzymes that are essential for many cellular processes. The ingredient has also been shown to exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, which may increase the antidandruff effects [5].

How effective is it at treating dandruff?

Around ten high-quality studies have evaluated the efficacy of ciclopirox on dandruff or scalp dermatitis since 1998, covering over 3000 patients. A review article published in 2010 noted that it’s difficult to directly compare the conclusions from these studies, as they use different end-points.

In each of the studies – regardless of what was used as an end-point – ciclopirox was shown to be statistically more effective than placebo, with similar effects to ketoconazole [6]. While ciclopirox and ketoconazole have been shown to have approximately the same efficacy, individuals respond differently to each. This means that you may need to try several products before observing a reduction in dandruff.

What are the risks of using it?

Ciclopirox is well-tolerated and generally considered to be safe and effective. Around 1-4% of those that use a shampoo with the ingredient may experience localized reactions such as redness, burning, or itching. One study on the safety of ciclopirox noted that having to discontinue therapy due to adverse effects is rare [7].

These adverse effects are similar to those expected with ketoconazole, and much less severe than topical steroids – a common second-line therapy.

The Best Ciclopirox Olamine Dandruff Shampoos

Ducray Kelual DS Shampoo

Ducray Kelual DS Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

If you’re struggling with recurrent itchy dandruff Kelual DS treatment shampoo is the formula for you. An impressive mix of soothing, exfoliating and microbiome balancing actives in an impressively hydrating formula. A benefit likely responsible for it’s exciting clinical trial results showing a whopping 80% reducing in symptoms of itching.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

Oilatum Scalp Treatment Shampoo

Oilatum Scalp Treatment Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is one of the best shampoos on the market for controlling moderate cases of dandruff caused by Seborrhoeic Dermatitis using quite a powerful anti fungal agent.

Some of the other ingredients leave a lot to be desired though.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

Stiproxal Dandruff Shampoo

Stiproxal Dandruff Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Stiproxal in summary has a lot of promise, but with some of the harsher ingredients added it's not the greatest shampoo in the world. Overall its very decent and I really like the combination of active ingredients. Ciclopirox Olamine is one of the best active ingredients out there for Seborheic Dermatitis. And although here are only a few shampoos out there that contain the ingredient, this is probably the pick of the bunch.

It's certainly worth a try if your skin isn't sensitive to the ingredients.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

 

We’re adding new reviews all the time, so if you don’t see your favorite shampoo listed here, check out all our Ciclopirox Olamine reviews.

References

[1] Gupta, A. K., & Skinner, A. R. (2003). Ciclopirox for the treatment of superficial fungal infections: a review. International Journal of Dermatology, 42(S1), 3-9.

[2] Shuster, S., Meynadier, J., Kerl, H., & Nolting, S. (2005). Treatment and prophylaxis of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp with antipityrosporal 1% ciclopirox shampoo. Archives of Dermatology, 141(1), 47-52.

[3] Hay, R. J. (2011). Malassezia, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis: an overview. British Journal of Dermatology, 165(s2), 2-8.

[4] Park, H. K., Ha, M. H., Park, S. G., Kim, M. N., Kim, B. J., & Kim, W. (2012). Characterization of the fungal microbiota (mycobiome) in healthy and dandruff-afflicted human scalps. PLoS One, 7(2), e32847.

[5] Gupta, A. K., & Plott, T. (2004). Ciclopirox: a broad‐spectrum antifungal with antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory properties. International Journal of Dermatology, 43(S1), 3-8.

[6] Subissi, A., Monti, D., Togni, G., & Mailland, F. (2010). Ciclopirox. Drugs, 70(16), 2133-2152.

[7] Gupta, A. K. (2001). Ciclopirox: an overview. International Journal of Dermatology, 40(5), 305-310.

Authors

    by
  • Master of Pharmacy Ethan graduated a number of years ago after studying pharmacy in the UK, and is now a practicing pharmacist by day. By night he writes the most stunning articles on a whole range of pharmaceutical subjects both here, and on our sister site at safehouseholdcleaning.com

  • First Class MChem in Chemistry A master of chemistry, a product formulation expert and a regular reviewer on this site. Megan wishes to remain partially anonymous so she can be candid about her employer's and competitor products.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.