Climbazole: A Powerful Anti-Dandruff Ingredient for Hair and Scalp Health

Climbazole(CAS 38083-17-9) is a topical imidazole antifungal widely used in anti-dandruff and scalp-care shampoos. It effectively targets the Malassezia fungi that cause dandruff by inhibiting the fungal 14α-demethylase enzyme. Even at very low concentrations (MIC ≈0.06 μg/mL), Climbazole strongly suppresses dandruff-associated fungi. This lipophilic ingredient is easily formulated into shampoos and conditioners, remaining stable (no sedimentation or discoloration) across typical product pH and in combination with common surfactants and preservatives.

• Fights dandruff: Climbazole stops the growth of Malassezia on the scalp, reducing flaking, redness and itching. It is often included at 0.5–2% in rinse-off anti-dandruff shampoos for this purpose.
• Improves scalp health: By controlling fungal overgrowth, Climbazole soothes irritation and prevents new dandruff from forming. Users report that hair feels cleaner, softer and shinier as scalp irritation subsides.
• Dual-function ingredient: In addition to antifungal action, Climbazole also has mild preservative properties. This dual role can simplify formulations (fewer additives needed) and extend product shelf-life.

Climbazole’s hair benefits are chiefly through a healthy scalp: it thoroughly cleanses and controls microbes, reducing flakiness and itchiness. It may even enhance the performance of other actives (e.g. retinoids) to improve overall scalp condition.

The application of climbazole in shampoo has a long history. For application guidance on the formulation, you can consult the professional team: BLIT CHEMICAL

Mechanism of Action

Climbazole’s antifungal action is similar to other azole drugs (ketoconazole, miconazole). It selectively inhibits the 14α‑demethylase enzyme in fungal cells, disrupting ergosterol synthesis and killing the fungus. This targeted mechanism makes it especially effective against Malassezia (formerly Pityrosporum) species implicated in dandruff. Key features of Climbazole’s action include:

• Potent at low doses: Laboratory tests show MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values around 0.06 μg/mL against Malassezia, meaning very small amounts can halt fungal growth.
• Good formulation compatibility: Climbazole dissolves in common surfactants and oils, causing no precipitation or color changes. It remains stable with metal ions and in various pH conditions.

These properties allow formulators to use Climbazole effectively at low concentrations in shampoos and leave-on products.

Benefits for Hair & Scalp

• Anti-Dandruff: By stopping the fungus at its source, Climbazole quickly reduces dandruff symptoms. Clinical studies show ~80% of users see dandruff and redness improve with Climbazole shampoo use.
• Soothes Irritation: Controlling fungal overgrowth also calms the scalp. Climbazole has been found to reduce scalp itching and redness. This can break the dandruff-itch scratch cycle, leading to healthier scalp skin.
• Hair Conditioning: A clean, irritation-free scalp often means healthier-looking hair. Climbazole shampoos tend to leave hair soft and manageable. (Some reports note improved shine and texture as the scalp environment normalizes.)
• Gentle & Multi-purpose: When used at recommended levels, Climbazole is gentle on skin, with few side effects. It can be used in combination with other gentle cleansers and botanicals without antagonism.

These benefits make Climbazole a popular choice in consumer shampoos and scalp treatments.

People from different countries have different hair thickness and scalp health conditions. In order to achieve the same anti-dandruff effect, different dosages will be added.

Safety Profile and Regulatory Status

Climbazole has a strong safety record when used within approved limits. Regulatory agencies have reviewed its toxicology extensively:

• The EU’s SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) permits up to 2% Climbazole in rinse-off shampoos (as an anti-dandruff agent) and up to 0.5% as a preservative in certain cosmetics. Below these levels, no significant adverse effects have been observed.
• In safety studies, Climbazole caused no genotoxic or carcinogenic effects in standard tests. It also does not accumulate significantly in the body at cosmetic usage levels.
• Most users tolerate Climbazole well. At normal use concentrations, it typically does not irritate the skin or scalp. (Patch tests confirm very low irritation potential.)

In summary, Climbazole is considered safe for cosmetic use under the recommended guidelines. It has been approved globally in dandruff shampoos and leave-on products with minimal restrictions. Its good tolerability and extensive testing history mean formulators can rely on Climbazole for a wide range of products.

Comparison to Other Anti-Dandruff Agents

Compared with other dandruff actives, Climbazole offers unique advantages:

• Vs. Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT): Both Climbazole and ZPT fight Malassezia, but Climbazole tends to be more stable and formulation-friendly (no sedimentation or discoloration). Importantly, ZPT has faced regulatory concerns (it is now banned in the EU due to reproductive toxicity risks), whereas Climbazole remains fully permitted.
• Vs. Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole (another azole antifungal) is very effective at 1–2% in medicated shampoos. Climbazole has a similar mode of action and comparable effectiveness, but is often chosen for daily-use OTC products because it blends easily and can also serve as a preservative.
• Vs. Selenium Sulfide: Selenium sulfide works mainly by slowing skin cell turnover. Climbazole’s direct antifungal effect is faster at clearing fungal overgrowth. Also, Selenium sulfide can discolor hair and leaves an odor, whereas Climbazole is odorless and colorless.
• Formulation benefits: Unlike some agents that require coactives or special handling, Climbazole is easy to formulate (compatible with perfumes, thickeners, etc.). Its dual role (antifungal + preservative) can reduce the need for extra preservatives.

Currently, Piroctone olamine is also a popular anti-dandruff agent. It has similar advantages to climbazole. Many shampoo anti-dandruff agents have also been replaced by Piroctone olamine from the original climbazole.

Overall, Climbazole stands out as a versatile and gentle anti-dandruff agent. It combines strong antifungal power with cosmetic elegance and safety, making it a popular choice in premium shampoos and treatments.

BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd. – Your Climbazole Partner

BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd., founded in 2017, is a professional manufacturer and global supplier of Climbazole. With its own factory, R&D center and experienced team, BLi-T provides high-quality Climbazole (CAS 38083-17-9) at competitive prices. Key highlights of BLi-T’s Climbazole offering include:

• Purity Options: Available in high grades (typically ≥99% purity, HPLC) to meet various cosmetic or pharmaceutical needs.
• Full Documentation: COA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS and other quality documents are provided for each batch.
• Flexible Packaging: Standard packaging is 25 kg fiber drums, and other sizes or OEM packaging can be arranged[.
• Global Delivery: BLi-T ships worldwide via sea, air or land transport, ensuring timely delivery to customers everywhere.

Whether you’re formulating an anti-dandruff shampoo or a scalp serum, BLiT CHEMICAL can supply premium Climbazole with reliable technical support and full compliance documentation.

Here are BLIT CHEMICAL’s product photos and packaging of Climbazole：

Product Specifications

This table summarizes the key properties of BLi-T’s Climbazole product. For formulation guidance, note that typical anti-dandruff shampoos contain 0.4–1.0% Climbazole, well within the safe usage limits.

Some consumers are concerned about the irritation of shampoos containing climbazole. In fact, the biggest problem is that the residual para-chlorophenol in climbazole is irritating. However, the climbazole manufactured by BLIT CHEMICAL controls the para-chlorophenol below 50ppm(P-Chlorophenol≤50ppm), so the shampoo will not be irritating.

FAQ

• How does Climbazole shampoo help with dandruff?
  Climbazole combats dandruff by targeting the root cause – the Malassezia fungus. In shampoo form, it penetrates the scalp to inhibit fungal growth, which in turn reduces flaking and itch. Even low doses (around 0.5–2%) can significantly clear dandruff symptoms. Regular use of a Climbazole-containing shampoo typically leads to a cleaner, healthier scalp over time.
• Is Climbazole safe?
  Yes. Climbazole is well-tolerated at the recommended levels. Scientific committees have approved up to 2% in rinse-off shampoos and 0.5% in leave-on products. Within these limits, studies show no serious side effects and only minimal irritation in sensitive individuals. It is non-genotoxic and non-carcinogenic in cosmetic use. Overall, Climbazole is considered safe for consumer hair and skin products when used as directed.
• Is Climbazole good for hair?
  Climbazole’s primary benefit for hair comes from a healthier scalp. By reducing dandruff and scalp inflammation, hair strands encounter less flaking and irritation. Many users find their hair feels softer and silkier after treatment. While Climbazole doesn’t act as a conditioner, a soothed scalp can improve hair growth environment. In summary, Climbazole indirectly improves hair appearance by promoting scalp health and shine.

For more information about Climbazole, documents such as COA, MSDS, technical support or to purchase Climbazole, please contact BLIT CHEM at: info@blitchem.com