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.

If you would like us to update your cosmetic line with undecylenic acid or its esters, please contact us.

 

Literature:

Efficacious intestinal permeation enhancement induced by the sodium salt of 10-undecylenic acid, a medium chain fatty acid derivative.

Brayden DJ, Walsh E.AAPS J. 2014 Sep;16(5):1064-76.