● What Is Zinc Pyrithione ?
Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is an organic zinc complex with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₈N₂O₂S₂Zn (molecular weight 317.7). Its name comes from the natural root ingredients of the Annonaceae plant Polyalthia nemoralis, but modern industry has adopted chemical synthesis to produce it. In 2024, China's patented process broke through the purity bottleneck, and the impurity crotonic acid was controlled below 16ppm through methanol-acetone graded crystallization, and the pharmaceutical grade purity was increased to 99.5%.
Physical and chemical properties:
Appearance and solubility: white to slightly yellow crystalline powder, almost insoluble in water (<0.1g/100mL), slightly soluble in ethanol, solubility in polyethylene glycol can reach 2000mg/kg;
Stability shortcomings: sensitive to light and oxidants, easily degraded by ultraviolet light, brown packaging required; dissociation failure at pH <4.5 or >9.5, optimal pH is 4.5-9.5;
Thermal decomposition critical point: stable for 120 hours at 100℃, but decomposes rapidly above 240℃;
Incompatibility: precipitates with cationic surfactants, chelates and discolors with iron/copper ions (even 1ppm can cause the product to turn yellow).
● What Are The Benefits Of Zinc Pyrithione ?
ZPT achieves broad-spectrum sterilization (effective against 32 kinds of microorganisms) through a unique ion exchange mechanism, especially for Malassezia, the culprit of dandruff, with a MIC as low as 8ppm:
1. Ion Gradient Destruction
In an acidic environment, H⁺ is input into the bacteria and K⁺ is output, and in an alkaline environment, Na⁺/Mg²⁺ is replaced, which disintegrates the microbial nutrient transport system;
2. Cell Membrane Breakdown
Inserting into the phospholipid bilayer, increasing membrane permeability and causing intracellular material leakage;
3. Enzyme Activity Inhibition
Blocking the electron transport chain and inhibiting key enzymes of energy metabolism (such as ATP synthase).
Clinical verification: After using shampoo containing 1.5% zinc pyrithione for 4 weeks, dandruff is reduced by 90%, and the recurrence rate of seborrheic dermatitis is reduced by 60%.
● What Are The Application Of Zinc Pyrithione ?
1. Daily Chemical Field:
It can be used in 70% of anti-dandruff shampoo, with an addition amount of 0.3%-2%;
Some cosmetic products may restrict the use of zinc pyrithione and need to be marked "rinse after use". You can use the alternative product piroctone ethanolamine (OCT).
2. Industrial Anti-Corrosion:
Anti-fouling revolution: compounded with cuprous oxide to inhibit barnacle attachment and reduce ship fuel consumption by 12%;
3. Agriculture And Materials:
Seed protection: 0.5% coating agent prevents mildew and increases germination rate by 18%;
Antibacterial fiber: grafted polyester fabric has an antibacterial rate of >99%.
4. Medical Extension:
Three-cause test negative (no carcinogenicity/teratogenicity/mutagenicity), used for acne gel and antibacterial coating of medical devices.
● Tips:
Although the acute oral toxicity of zinc pyrithione is low (LD₅₀>1000mg/kg in mice), clinical warnings in recent years:
Skin toxicity: long-term contact causes allergic dermatitis, and eyelid contact can induce conjunctivitis;
Absolute contraindications:
→ Broken skin (permeability increases 3 times, resulting in systemic exposure);
→ Pregnant women and children (blood-brain barrier penetration data missing);
Drug interactions: Avoid combined use with EDTA (chelating zinc ions reduces drug efficacy).
● NEWGREEN Supply High Quality Zinc Pyrithione Powder
Post time: Jul-09-2025
