The Best Piroctone Olamine Shampoos for Treating Seb Derm and Dry Scalp

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

Piroctone Olamine is one of the more recent active ingredients found in dandruff shampoos. Designed to treat seborrheic dermatitis and dry scalp piroctone olamine is one of the most innovative areas of dandruff treatment on the market today. We’re consistently seeing some of the most exciting new shampoo formulations with this active ingredient – high-end cosmetic manufacturers and dermatologists alike.

Some of our much-loved favorites use this active ingredient. It doesn’t quite pack the punch of ketoconzole or selenium sulfide, but it’s much gentler too.  As an everyday shampoo, I find the ingredient to be first class.

I constantly have a piroctone olamine shampoo on hand for those times I don’t have a bad breakout so I don’t have to use a harsher ingredient.

Before looking at our favorite shampoos, in true Dandruff Deconstructed fashion, we’ll present the facts.  So you can work out if it’s the ingredient for you.

In this article, we’ll look at:

What Is Piroctone Olamine?

Piroctone olamine is an ingredient found in dandruff shampoos and topical skin products.  Also called piroctone ethanolamine and sold under the brand name “Octopirox”, piroctone olamine is an antifungal and antimicrobial compound used to treat fungal infections of the skin, including scalp infections that cause dandruff.

Piroctone olamine often replaces the more commonly used zinc pyrithione in anti-dandruff shampoos. As an active ingredient, it may be present in creams, lotions, rinses and other products. It is also used as a preservative and a thickening agent in cosmetic products. When used as a preservative, piroctone olamine prevents the growth of germs in the product to extend its shelf life and ensure user safety.

Where did it come from?

Piroctone olamine has been used for around 40 years, first developed by Schwarzkopf-Henkel (a subsidiary of Hoechst AG*) for use in anti-dandruff shampoo in the late 1970s. All the initial clinical and safety studies were conducted by Hoechst AG, but this changed in the mid-1990s when other cosmetics companies began using the ingredient [1].

Piroctone olamine was first submitted for approval to the European Union and United States FDA in the 1980s [2]. The ingredient was first approved for addition to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) in 2008, after the FDA sought additional safety and effectiveness data in 2004 [3].

[*Note: Hoechst AG underwent a confusing series of mergers and acquisitions, and is now effectively known as ‘Clariant GmbH’ – a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical giant Sanofi]

How Does Piroctone Olamine Work?

It is thought that the malassezia fungus is responsible for seborrheic dermatitis. Piroctone olamine is an ethanolamine salt of piroctone, with a complex (and not fully understood) anti-fungal mechanism. One proposed mechanism of action is the formation of molecular complexes with iron, which may inhibit fungal cells from effectively utilising energy [4]. It is known to the particularly effective against Malassezia yeasts – and so has a role in the treatment of seb derm.

How Effective Is Piroctone Olamine?

Piroctone olamine, despite the recent upsurge in usage, has historically not been a hugely popular ingredient. So very few independent clinical studies have been performed. Its main advantage is that it’s well tolerated, and so can be used frequently to control mild dandruff, but this hasn’t been properly evaluated.

Seb Derm

Seb Derm is thought it be associated with a Malassezia yeast on the scalp, with anti-fungal shampoos used to reduce this growth. Very few high-quality clinical trials have been performed on the efficacy of piroctone olamine-based shampoos. In 2010, researchers at the cosmetic company Beiersdorf published data suggesting a piroctone olamine/climbazole combination shampoo was equally as effective at reducing dandruff compared to zinc pyrithione in 50 participants – although more research is required [5].

More positive results came from a study [6] that compared shampoos containing a combination of piroctone olamine and salicylic acid with coal tar shampoo. The piroctone olamine combination shampoo achieved the largest reduction in Malassezia over an eight-week period.

Dry Scalp

The 2010 Beiersdorf study found that the combined antifungal shampoo improved ‘wet combing’ on mannequins over a zinc pyrithione shampoo [5]. This easier combing is thought to reduce the need for frequent washing, but this is proposed and not proven.

Where can I buy Piroctone Olamine Shampoos?

Piroctone olamine is not regulated as a medicine, and so all formulations can be bought from supermarkets or pharmacies. The ingredient is permitted up to 1.0% in rinse-off cosmetics (e.g. shampoos) in both the EU and US.

[Note: There’s no straightforward way to tell if a shampoo is utilizing the ingredient as a preservative or active ingredient – as the exact concentration isn’t required by regulators – and so you should always read the product description.]

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Piroctone Olamine?

Extensive safety studies have been performed on piroctone olamine for submission to various regulatory agencies. The largest human safety trial was conducted in France, and found that application of a 1.0% cream three times a day caused no adverse effects or sensitivity over a four-week period. The FDA review of safety data in 2004, noted that no significant health effects have been observed in use since the 1970s [1]

The Seven Best Piroctone Olamine Shampoos

There have been some outstanding Piroctone Olamine treatments released this past few years.  More than any other active ingredient I can think of.  The top 3 of the following shampoos would make my top ten dandruff shampoos with any active ingredient. All three would potentially make my top five!

Sebclair Shampoo

Sebclair Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp

Calling all sensitive scalp sufferers, if you haven’t yet found an anti-dandruff shampoo your scalp can tolerate, you haven’t yet found Sebclair shampoo. A piroctone olamine, Malassezia yeast quelling formula with extremely mild yet highly effective cleansers, accompanying scalp hydrators, flake fighters and natural anti-inflammatories. No fragrance, no essentials oils, no allergens. Sebclair shampoo really does stand out in our anti-dandruff crowd.

Read the entire review buy now on Amazon

Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Shampoo

Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

One of the best and mildest shampoos out there for seb derm sufferers with sensitive skin.

Containing both Piroctone Olamine and Salicylic Acid as well as being SLS free, paraben free, artificial color free this shampoo has an absolutely outstanding choice of active and inactive ingredients.

There are still two or three chemicals in there that some may find irritating. Otherwise this would have been a five out of five performer.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Sebamed is one of the gentle yet most effective seb derm shampoos available.

The active ingredient is Piroctine Olamine - an excellent anti-fungal agent.

The rest of the shampoo has been formulated with panache.

Read the entire review buy now on Amazon

Sebclair Non-Steroidal Cream

Sebclair Non-Steroidal Cream

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp

Sebclair Non-Steroidal Cream is an anti-fungal, piroctone olamine based treatment partnered with a trophy cabinet of natural anti-inflammatory actives. If you have a mild to moderate case of seb derm, hate steroids and love naturals Sebclair is for you. Best bit – there’s only two known allergens or irritants.

Read the entire review buy now on Amazon

Sea Magik Mineral Shampoo

Sea Magik Mineral Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis

Dandruff shampoos can wreak havoc on dry, itchy scalps. Sea Magik Mineral Shampoo is different. A calming, hydrating formula with a combination of gentler, anti-dandruff actives. With independent research to back up claims that it’s potent, powerful yet still soothing. A great overall formula that's suitable for all but the most hypersensitive or allergy-prone skin types.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

La Roche-Posay Kerium Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

La Roche-Posay Kerium Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp

La Roche Posay is a combination shampoo, combining both Piroctone Olamine and Salicylic Acid. The Salicylic Acid will help exfoliate existing dandruff build up while the Piroctone Olamine is designed to prevent any new outbreaks. It’s a match made in heaven.

I can’t let a mention of a review pass without commenting on how luxurious this shampoo feels and smells when washing – better than any medicated shampoo I have ever tried. And I’ve tried lots!

There are a couple of harsh ingredients but compared to the majority of the shampoos on the market, this is a first class Piroctone Olamine shampoo.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

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

Bioderma Node DS Shampoo

Bioderma Node DS Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Bioderma Nodé DS+ shampoo certainly packs an anti-dandruff punch. Its combination of anti-dandruff actives (Piroctone Olamine and Zinc Pyrithione), with keratolytic Salicylic Acid and anti-inflammatory Sodium Shale Oil Sulfonate are also complimented by several scalp soothing ingredients. A heck of an ingredients list only let down by the use of SLES and one or two other potential irritants.

This shampoo is definitely worth checking out.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo is a beautiful looking Scandinavian shampoo which contains a very effective (new-age) combination of anti-dandruff actives. With Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole ready to defeat dandruff causing Malassezia yeast and Salicylic and Lactic Acids ready to eliminate existing flakes. There really is a lot to love about this formula.

It’s as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Read the entire review buy now on Amazon

Bioderma Node P Apaisant Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps

Bioderma Node P Apaisant Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Bioderma Node P Apaisant Anti-Dandruff Soothing Shampoo is a fabulous option for sensitive, irritated conditions of mild to moderate dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. With a combination of 2 anti-dandruff actives and dry flake busting salicylic acid, its overall efficacy is excellent. It washes and smells great and if it weren't for the presence of fragrances and silicones it would be an almost perfect sensitive scalp friendly formulation.

Read the entire review buy now on ebay

 

If you haven’t seen your favorite shampoo listed, chances are we have and it can be found if you check out all our Piroctone Olamine reviews.

If there’s any we haven’t reviewed then please just drop us a line and we’ll be absolutely delighted to look into it!

References

[1] FDA. (2004). ‘Safety and Effectiveness Information for Piroctone Olamine. Docket No. 2004N-0050.’ [Accessed: 9/4/17] www.fda.gov

[2] EUSCCS. (2002). ‘Piroctone olamine and its Ethanolamine Salt’ [Accessed: 9/4/17] ec.europa.eu

[3] USP. (2017). ‘Pending Monographs: Piroctone Olamine’. [Accessed: 9/4/17] www.usp.org

[4] Kim, Y., Alpmann, P., Blaum-Feder, S., Kraemer, S., Endo, T., Lu, D., & Schmidt-Wolf, I. G. (2011). ‘Increased in vivo efficacy of lenalidomide by addition of piroctone olamine.’ In vivo, 25(1), 99-103.

[5] Schmidt‐Rose, T., Braren, S., Fölster, H., Hillemann, T., Oltrogge, B., Philipp, P., & Fey, S. (2011). ‘Efficacy of a piroctone olamine/climbazol shampoo in comparison with a zinc pyrithione shampoo in subjects with moderate to severe dandruff.’ International journal of cosmetic science, 33(3), 276-282.

[6] Piérard-Franchimont, Piérard, Vroome, Lin, Appa (2000). ‘Comparative anti-dandruff efficacy between a tar and a non-tar shampoo’. Dermatology. 2000;200(2):181-4.

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.

3 thoughts on “The Best Piroctone Olamine Shampoos for Treating Seb Derm and Dry Scalp”

Leave a Comment

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