Undecylenic Acid

Undecylenic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient used as an antimicrobial, surfactant - emulsifying agent. It is used in 5 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 50 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameUNDECYLENIC ACID
FunctionANTIMICROBIAL, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE
CAS number112-38-9
EC number203-965-8
Prevalence5 products (0.01% of dataset)
Most used inMakeup
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies50 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches8,100

Used in

Lipsticks 40%Body Washes 20%Hand Soaps 20%Serums 20%

Frequently asked

What does Undecylenic Acid do in skincare?
Undecylenic Acid functions as an antimicrobial, surfactant - emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Undecylenic Acid allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Undecylenic Acid?
It is most commonly found in Makeup products, especially lipsticks (40% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Undecylenic Acid

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.