Imidazole derivative against Malassezia. Often paired with zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine in anti-dandruff shampoos and seborrheic dermatitis products.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Reduces Malassezia furfur counts on the scalp and improves dandruff. EU permits up to 0.2% in leave-on and 0.5% in rinse-off products.
Climbazole is a synthetic imidazole derivative with fungistatic action against Malassezia – a yeast-like commensal fungus key to the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, pityriasis, Malassezia folliculitis. Where applied. Anti-dandruff and seborrheic-dermatitis scalp shampoos, scalp lotions and tonics. Less often – in face dermocosmetics for seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea. Concentration 0.3-2%. In Spain – in Sebopure, Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff, Ducray Squanorm, Klorane Pied de Cèdre. Mechanism. Inhibits ergosterol synthesis – the main Malassezia membrane component (via lanosterol 14α-demethylase, CYP51, suppression). Without ergosterol the fungal membrane breaks down. Effective against Malassezia furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta. Evidence base. RCTs (Schmidt-Rose 2011, Kerr 2011) showed 50-70% reduction in scalp Malassezia and clinical dandruff improvement over 4-6 weeks. Efficacy comparable to zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole but lower than prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo. Combination therapy. Often paired with zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine – overlapping mechanisms reduce Malassezia resistance risk. Therapeutic cosmetics with climbazole + zinc pyrithione are first-line for mild-moderate dandruff (Borda 2015). Safety. CIR/SCCS confirm safety at cosmetic concentrations. SCCS in 2018 decided: climbazole in body leave-on products – up to 0.2%, shampoos – up to 2%, hair leave-on – up to 0.5%. Contact dermatitis is rare, described in 0.5-1% with long-term use. Does not photosensitize. Endocrine-effect controversy. SCCS in 2014 reviewed weak azole-estrogenic/antiandrogenic in vitro effect data. Conclusion: at use concentrations and contact times (shampoo rinsed off in 2-3 minutes) systemic effect is negligible. Concentration caps are precautionary. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Climbazole shampoos at standard concentrations are safe – brief contact, minimal absorption. Leave-on climbazole products in pregnancy and breastfeeding are better avoided; choose zinc pyrithione or coal tar as alternatives. Suitable for. Patients with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, Malassezia folliculitis. In severe seborrhea – add prescription 2% ketoconazole. In pregnancy – use with caution in leave-on products.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
CautionSuitable for
Use with caution
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Climbazole should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Climbazole suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Imidazole derivative against Malassezia.
The INCI name is Climbazole. It may also appear as: Климбазол.
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