Benefits And Risks Of Undecylenic Acid, According To Experts

Experts weigh in on the pros and cons of this popular solution to infections and skin issues.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sonam Jeswani Ramrakhiani, MBBS, DDV

Dr. Sonam Jeswani Ramrakhiani is a renowned dermatologist with over 11 years of experience. She has a sharp eye for facial aesthetics and advocates learning newer technologies and treatment protocols for the benefit of her clients. After co... more

Written by Ramona Sinha, Editor Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more

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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, ... more

Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, Commerce Editor Experience: 4 years

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• Mar 26, 2024

Benefits And Risks Of Undecylenic Acid, According To Experts

Image: Shutterstock

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot, jock itchⁱXA fungal infection on the genitals or inner thighs with a red, itchy rash caused by moisture trapped in tight-fitting clothing. , and ringworm are common occurrences and must be treated with antifungal agents and not natural remedies. Using undecylenic acid for skin and fungal infections is one way to treat these conditions. It is derived from castor oil and naturally occurs in human sweat (1). This article explains the benefits of undecylenic acid, its use, and precautions to take while using it. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Undecylenic Acid

What Is It?
A light-colored fatty acid obtained from castor oil, commonly used to treat fungal infections.

What Are Its Benefits?
It treats athlete’s foot, jock itch, eczema, ringworm, and scalp itching.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone except children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.

How Often?
It can be applied twice a day or as instructed by the doctor.

Caution
Avoid applying undecylenic acid on pus-filled sores to prevent further rashes and pain.

In This Article

What Is Undecylenic Acid?

Woman holding an undecylenic acid lotion

Image: Shutterstock

“Undecylenic acid is a fatty acid that is used for antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolyticⁱXA medication that breaks down the excess outer skin layer to remove warts or lesions and bind moisture for healthy skin. effects. It belongs to the group of lipophilic (fat-loving) acids,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Paula Morgan.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2018, around 666,235 fungal infections were diagnosed in those admitted to hospitals. 76.3% of these infections were Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Candida, and most of them occurred in people at higher risk of infection. Additionally, 6.6 million fungal infections were diagnosed in outpatient visits.

Undecylenic acid is a common ingredient in medicated creams and lotions to treat ringworm, fungal infections, and other cutaneous conditions. However, it is never used on its own for treating fungal skin infections. You will find the salts of undecylenate (like zinc undecylenate) as an antifungal agent in OTC creams and lotions (1).

Trivia

Products containing undecylenic acid are also available in the form of aerosol foam and tinctures.

Undecylenic acid is derived from the distillation of castor oil, decomposing ricinoleic acid in high temperatures (through pyrolysis). It naturally occurs in human sweat (1).

Undecylenic acid also works as an antibacterial agent and an active ingredient in topical treatment. It may help in skin care in numerous ways.

Benefits Of Undecylenic Acid For Skin

Woman experiencing athlete's foot may benefit from undecylenic acid

Image: Shutterstock

The zinc salt of undecylenic acid is beneficial in treating conditions like(1):

Fungal infections (athlete’s foot,jock itchⁱXA fungal infection on the genitals or inner thighs with a red, itchy rash caused by moisture trapped in tight-fitting clothing. )
Eczema
Ringworm
Other skin conditions

The zinc in it has astringent effects that reduce irritation and discomfort. It is also effective against conditions caused by Candida albicans (1),(2).

It may also help in acne management. While undecylenic acid may not kill acne-causing bacteria, it may regulate certain factors that may prevent acne and foot odor.

Dr. Morgan explains, “The number of bacteria on the skin increases by approximately 1000 times when we sweat. By using an antibacterial agent, we can fight and prevent bacterial infections and thus prevent acne. Undecylenic acid belongs in this category of substances. It makes the surface of the skin rougher so that the pores are closed more tightly, and dirt does not come into direct contact with them, which is the foundation of the formation of acne. It improves skin regeneration and wound healing, which can lead to a more rapid recovery from pimples and inflammations caused by them.”

While undecylenic acid is not a cosmetic ingredient, it is still used in cosmetic formulations for its antifungal and other benefits.
Dr. Morgan elaborates, “Undecylenic acid as fatty acid is contained in many vegetable oil products, e.g., in wheat germ oil or sunflower seed oil. In concentrations up to 10%, it can be found in sunscreens and other cosmetic products. Undecylenic acid is also an ingredient of many hair shampoos that are used for greasy hair or dandruff. As a lipophilic substance, undecylenic acid strengthens the outer skin layers and fights flaking and itching of the scalp.”

The usage of undecylenic acid is not restricted to just topical ointments and antifungal creams. Therefore, it is best to follow the doctor’s or the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage. Here are a few tips.

How To Use Undecylenic Acid

Woman applying undecylenic acid cream on her foot

Image: Shutterstock

The use of undecylenic acid will differ according to the type of product. As a rule of thumb, if you are using a topical cream or powder or spray, apply it to clean and dry skin twice a day or as instructed by the doctor. However, make sure you

apply it only to the affected area(s)
choose a product according to the application area (nail or skin)
read the instructions and follow the precautions

The percentage of undecylenic acid in OTC products is often quite low, and such products may not work on severe infections. In that case, you might need prescription-strength products.

If the OTC product you are using is not working, consult a doctor immediately. Most of the fatty acids and fatty acid salts are considered safe for use. However, there are chances of side effects.

Side Effects Of Undecylenic Acid

Woman experiencing itchy feet due to undecylenic acid

Image: Shutterstock

Dr. Morgan says, “The use of undecylenic acid is generally considered safe. The only known side effect is a slight burning sensation when the product is applied to the skin. It should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.”

She adds, “No interactions with other drugs have been reported with undecylenic acid, and long-term use is possible without any side effects.”

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) considers undecylenic acid and its salts safe for use. However, one person reported symptoms like swelling, itching, dryness, and oozing from the feet after using 10% undecylenic acid cream for three days. The symptoms were gone after discontinuing the medication (3). Therefore, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions and take precautions while using undecylenic acid for skin conditions.

Precautions To Take While Using Undecylenic Acid

Woman examines the label of an undecylenic acid product

Image: Shutterstock

Always wash your hands before and after handling products with undecylenic acid.
Undecylenic acid might not be safe for children. Consult a pediatrician before using it on kids.
Do not use undecylenic acid on pus-filled sores.
Consult your physician before using products with undecylenic acid.
Read the labels carefully as OTC products with undecylenic acid are marketed separately for skin and nail fungal infections.
Do a patch test (if using OTC products) to ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the product you are using.
Always store your undecylenic acid products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Quick Tip

Avoid storing products containing undecylenic acid in the bathroom or the fridge to protect them from humidity.

Always consult a doctor to determine the frequency of usage.

Undecylenic acid is a natural fungicide used to treat skin infections. Learn more about its uses and benefits in this video!

Infographic: Quick Guide To Use Undecylenic Acid Effectively

Undecylenic acid is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial agent that may help control several common skin and nail infections. However, even the most potent topical medicinal formulations may prove to be futile if they are not applied to the affected area correctly. Check out the following infographic to read through the step-by-step instructions on how to apply undecylenic acid products properly to maximize their effectiveness.

quick guide to use undecylenic acid effectively (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Undecylenic acid is not like the other facial acids you may know. It is an antifungal ingredient used to treat ringworm, jock itchⁱXA fungal infection on the genitals or inner thighs with a red, itchy rash caused by moisture trapped in tight-fitting clothing. , athlete’s foot, and other fungal infections. It is available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-only drugs and is highly effective at delivering relief. You can also use Undecylenic acid to address eczema and other bacterial skin disorders. The strength and formulation of the acid products may vary depending on the ailment and the body part. As a result, it is preferable to avoid using it in an uncontrolled manner. Stay away from it if you are pregnant or lactating, and talk to your doctor before using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: tolnaftate or undecylenic acid?

In a study, undecylenic acid and tolnaftate were tested to determine how effective they were at killing athlete’s foot fungi. The commercial product consisting of undecylenic acid was discovered to be more efficient than the product containing tolnaftate (4).

Is undecylenic acid FDA approved?

Yes, undecylenic acid is FDA approved for treating various fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringwormsⁱXA contagious fungal infection on the skin or scalp with an itchy circular rash that occurs due to mold-like parasites living in cells. .

What is 10-Undecenoic acid used for?

The 10-Undecenoic acid zinc salt, a naturally occurring or artificial fungistatic fatty acid, is utilized topically in creams to treat ringwormⁱXA contagious fungal infection on the skin or scalp with an itchy circular rash that occurs due to mold-like parasites living in cells. , eczema, and other cutaneous disorders.

Key Takeaways

Undecylenic acid is commonly used in medicated creams and lotions for treating fungal infections, ringwormⁱXA contagious fungal infection on the skin or scalp with an itchy circular rash that occurs due to mold-like parasites living in cells. , and cutaneous conditions.
It may not work on severe infections as its percentage is low in OTC products.
Make sure to wash your hands before and after using products containing undecylenic acid.

References

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