Ingredient · dataset v56
Piroctone Olamine and fungal acne
Antifungal · known to help
Why it's known to help
An anti-yeast active that disrupts how Malassezia handles energy; a staple of dandruff shampoos.
Solid lab and product record, thinner published clinical dossier than the big three above — moderate.
Evidence strength
Strength 2/3
Function
Antifungal
Also listed as
Octopirox
Related antifungal
- Benzoyl Peroxide — Antifungal · known to help
- Bifonazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ciclopirox — Antifungal · known to help
- Climbazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Clotrimazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Econazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ketoconazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil — Antifungal · known to help
Sources
- Schmidt-Rose et al. 2011 — piroctone/climbazole shampoo vs zinc pyrithione in dandruff RCT (Int J Cosmet Sci)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Piroctone Olamine help with fungal acne?
It is known to help: An anti-yeast active that disrupts how Malassezia handles energy; a staple of dandruff shampoos. It is commonly used against Malassezia — that is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
Does Piroctone Olamine feed Malassezia?
No: Piroctone Olamine is known to help against Malassezia, not feed it. That is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Piroctone Olamine →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.