Common Name(s): Bayhibit am,1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-imidazol-1-yl-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one
CAS Number: 38083-17-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides imidazole-class antifungal activity specifically targeting malassezia for dandruff control in leave-on scalp products.
Why It's Used: Leave-on compatible anti-dandruff active โ unlike zpt (limited in leave-on face products), climbazole is approved for leave-on scalp and face formulations for continuous anti-dandruff and anti-seborrheic activity.
How It Works: Imidazole ring inhibits malassezia cytochrome p450-dependent 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis essential for fungal cell membrane integrity. highly selective for fungal vs mammalian p450 enzymes.
Typically Found In: Leave-on scalp treatments,anti-dandruff serums,seborrheic dermatitis products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Climbazole's imidazole mechanism (ergosterol synthesis inhibition via p450 enzyme blockade) is identical to the pharmaceutical anti-fungal ketoconazole's mechanism, but climbazole has superior safety profile for cosmetic use and explicit eu approval for leave-on scalp products where ketoconazole requires prescription status.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,billhimer & luitpold climbazole anti-dandruff study