Undecylenic acid
Undecylenic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that occurs naturally mainly in the South Asian plant Salicornia brachiata but can also be produced by vacuum distillation of castor oil. Pyrolysis, i.e., the thermal cleavage of castor oil, yields heptanal and 10-undecenoic acid as the main products at 350 to 460 degrees Celsius. Pure undecylenic acid is a colorless and water-insoluble mass with a very rancid and greasy odor. Although it is not soluble in water, it is readily miscible with alcohols, chloroform, benzene and ether.
In the human body, it is a natural component of sweat.
The effects
The substance has a strong fungicidal and fungistatic effect. However, as it has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes in some people and has a relatively unpleasant smell, above all calcium, magnesium and sodium salts of these fatty acids are considered to be a useful alternative. Besides, the fungicidal effect of the undecylenates is about four times stronger than that of the undecylenic acid. Thanks to its fungicidal properties the active agent suppresses the fungal growth in gastrointestinal or vaginal candidiasis. Scientists have known for some time that undecylenic acid or its esters can kill Candida albicans and thus contribute to the maintenance of a healthy vaginal and intestinal flora. Numerous case reports also confirm the efficacy of the substances against oral thrush. In addition, in vitro studies showed that undecylenic acid or its esters also have antibacterial and antiviral activity. The treatment of herpes simplex infections in humans and animals is readily available in the context of topical application. The doses required for a therapeutic effect proved to be consistently harmless in studies.
Undecylenic acid or its esters in cosmetics
Not only in medicine but also in cosmetics undecylenic acid respectively its esters are of great importance. They are above all integrated in creams, ointments and solutions. Calcium undecylenate for instance is a frequently used preservative. Undecylenicmonoethanolamide on the other hand can be used particularly well for washings whereas undecylenic acid ethyl ester in a concentration of three to five percent shows a very good effectiveness as antimycotic against dermatophytes (skin fungi).
Another indication is tinea, an infection of the stratum corneum (uppermost layer of the epidermis), the nails and/or hair by dermatophytes. Pathogens of the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum are responsible for the infection. Also, in cases of hyperhidrosis, the increased sweating with an excessive increase of the sweat secretion, undecylenic acid or its esters are a good solution. In combination with zinc or copper, products containing undecylenic acid or its esters have a particularly positive effect.
Apart from the fungicidal effect, the substance also contributes to more suppleness and smoothness of the skin.
Undecylenic acid fact sheet
Alternative name: 10-Undecenoic acid
INCI: Undecylenic Acid
CAS number: 112-38-9
EINECS number: 203-965-8
Melting point: 24.5 degrees Celsius
Boiling point: 275 degrees Celsius
Iodine value: 138
Use as: Antifungal agent, antifungal combination agent
Undecyl alcohol
INCI: Undecyl Alcohol
Description: light liquid with a mild odour
CAS number: 112-42-5
Glycerylundecylenate
INCI: Glyceryl Undecylenate
CAS number: 123759-97-7
Heptyl undecylenic acid or esters thereof
INCI: Heptyl Undecylenate
CAS number: 68141-27-5
EINECS number: 268-850-7
We are enthusiastic about applying these undecylenic active agents:
Name | Supplier | INCI Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Butyl Undecylenate | Vigon | Butyl Undecylenate | |
Methyl Undecylenate | Vigon | Methyl Undecylenate | |
Ethyl Undecylenate | Vigon | Ethyl Undecylenate | |
LexFeel Natural | INOLEX Incorporated | Heptyl Undecylenate | |
Sunfat MGU | SUNFINE GLOBAL Co., Ltd. | Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
Cosphaderm GeMix RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
Lexgard Natural MB | INOLEX Incorporated | Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
LexFeel WOW DT | INOLEX Incorporated | C13-16 Isoalkane (Formerly C13-16 Isoparaffin) , Heptyl Undecylenate | |
Cosphaderm TOM RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Pentylene Glycol , Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
TRIstat ECO | Tri-K Industries, Inc. | Benzyl Alcohol , Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
Activonol Green-GCP | ACTIVON CO., LTD. | Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Undecylenate , Pentylene Glycol | |
TeenActine® | MMP Europe | 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid , Glyceryl Undecylenate , Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid | |
Vegenolin® SQ | MMP Europe | Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables , Squalane , Sucrose Polystearate , Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
Pronalen Bio-Protect ZNSN | Provital | Water , Propanediol , Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice , Prunus Persica (Peach) Juice , Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract , Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract , Panax Ginseng Root Extract , Glyceryl Caprylate , Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
Undecylenic Acid | Vigon | Undecylenic Acid | |
Undecilenoyl Soy Polypeptide | Sinerga | Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein | |
Saliguard EU | Salicylates and Chemicals | Ethylhexylglycerin , Undecylenic Acid | |
Undeoat | Sinerga | Undecylenoyl Oat Amino Acids | |
LIPACIDE UG | SEPPIC | Undecylenoyl Glycine |
Undecylenic acid or its esters for healthy beautiful skin
Skin fungi are unpleasant and should be treated immediately. Preparations containing undecylenic acid or its esters show an extraordinarily good effect against the pathogens. The active agent is the first choice for skin fungal diseases and can be used in solutions as well as in ointments and creams.
Literature:
Brayden DJ, Walsh E.AAPS J. 2014 Sep;16(5):1064-76.