piroctone olamine

Piroctone olamine, marketed by Garonit Pharmaceutical under the trade name **PiroShield**, is a small molecule ethanolamine salt of the hydroxamic acid derivative piroctone. It is primarily utilized as an antifungal and antimicrobial agent in dermatological and personal care products, most notably in anti-dandruff shampoos. Its mechanism of action involves the chelation of polyvalent metal ions, such as iron (Fe3+) and copper (Cu2+), which disrupts mitochondrial activity and energy metabolism in fungi, particularly *Malassezia* species associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Beyond its therapeutic applications, piroctone olamine is employed as a preservative in cosmetic formulations due to its broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, yeasts, and molds, offering a favorable safety and solubility profile compared to traditional agents like zinc pyrithione.

Brand names

PiroShieldOctopirox

Other names

piroctone ethanolamine1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one compound with 2-aminoethanol (1:1)