Preservative

Bispyrithione

INCI: BISPYRITHIONE
CAS 3696-28-4 EC 223-024-5
Bis(2-pyridine-N-oxide)Disulfide
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Bis(2-pyridine-N-oxide)Disulfide

Purpose

Function

Antimicrobial, anti-dandruff agent, preservative (disulfide dimer of pyrithione)
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Banned
Safety
POOR
US
Permitted
Absorptionmoderate
Sensitizationmoderate
MoSadequate
ConcernHigh
Flags
preservative
Verdict

Bispyrithione is prohibited in EU cosmetics due to CMR 1B classification (reproductive toxicity); harmful if swallowed with aquatic toxicity concerns. In the US, use is limited to rinse-off anti-dandruff products only.

US Note

FDA: Zinc pyrithione is an approved OTC anti-dandruff active (21 CFR 358.710). Bispyrithione itself does not have separate FDA monograph status. CIR has not issued a standalone review.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
3696-28-4
EC Number
223-024-5
INCI
BISPYRITHIONE
Category
Preservative
Updated
Apr 2, 2026