Pionin

Identification

Functionality

System:

Skincare & Personal Care Formulation

Function Description:

Pionin functions as a potent antimicrobial active for cosmetic formulations — serving as a preservative and topical anti-acne/anti-dandruff agent. As a quaternized cyanine dye (INCI: Quaternium-73) it exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity at very low concentrations and is added into lotions, creams, shampoos or deodorant products to inhibit microbial growth.

Applications & Uses:

Used as a preservative and antimicrobial active in topical personal care and cosmetic products (lotions, creams, shampoos, deodorants), and as an anti-acne active against Cutibacterium acnes. Typically supplied as a solid powder; formulators prepare stock solutions (e.g., 0.1% in ethanol or 1,3-butylene glycol) and add to formulations. Light-sensitive—use lightproof containers; may require solubilizers if crystallization occurs.

Benefits:

High antimicrobial potency at very low usage levels; broad-spectrum activity including Gram-positive, Gram-negative and Cutibacterium acnes; good thermal and pH stability in formulations; established regulatory history in Japan; easy to incorporate via solvent/stock solution; suitable for anti-acne, anti-dandruff and deodorant applications.

Performance Attributes:

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with very low MICs (down to 0.00008% for some strains); demonstrated activity vs. Cutibacterium acnes; heat-stable (residual ~98–99% after up to 3 hr at 85°C in lotion at 0.005% w/v); pH-stable across pH 2–12 with high residuals (tested at 0.001% w/v stored 6 months at 40°C); photostability is good when protected from light but degrades in transparent containers; soluble in solvents such as ethanol and 1,3-butylene glycol; effective at low use levels enabling minimal formulation impact.

Brand:

Pionin

Manufacturer:

Nagase Viita