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Moumoujus

HEXADECENOIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 17004-51-2 / SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Hexadecenoic acid, commonly known as Palmitoleic Acid, is a naturally occurring omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acid found in skin sebum. As a skin-identical ingredient, it is crucial for reinforcing the skin barrier, enhancing hydration, and offering notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Summary

Emollient Skin-identical ingredient Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Collagen Booster Elastin Booster Skin Barrier Support

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient supports skin health by bolstering the integrity of skin cell membranes and promoting sebum production, thereby strengthening the skin barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss. It demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects and exhibits specific antibacterial activity against *Staphylococcus aureus* by disrupting its cell membrane. In vitro, it precisely modulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity, diminishes reactive oxygen species generation, and stimulates the expression of pro-collagen type 1 and elastin, while also mitigating UV-B induced inflammatory responses.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Oral supplementation of 500 mg/day over 12 weeks significantly improved skin barrier function, including skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss. Intragroup improvements in skin elasticity and wrinkle formation were also noted.
  2. 02 Topical application of cis-6-hexadecenoic acid abolished markedly increased *Staphylococcus aureus* bacterial counts in 6 out of 8 atopic dermatitis patients' upper arm skin within 2 weeks.
  3. 03 In vitro, hexadecenoic acid dose-dependently regulated matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity, decreased H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species, and increased pro-collagen type 1 and elastin expression in human keratinocytes. It also reduced UV-B-induced inflammatory markers and increased type 1 procollagen in skin cells.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Hexadecenoic acid is a functional, skin-identical active ingredient recognized for its specific physiological benefits, not a component typically 'dusted' at minimal, ineffective percentages.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As an unsaturated fatty acid, hexadecenoic acid is susceptible to oxidation. To maintain its stability, formulators should meticulously avoid contact with strong bases and oxidizing agents.

Conflicts

  • strong bases
  • oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

Hexadecenoic acid is generally considered safe for cosmetic and personal care applications, exhibiting non-toxic and non-carcinogenic properties. While typically non-irritating to intact skin, it may potentially degrease the skin, leading to a non-allergic contact dermatitis if applied to abraded or highly irritated skin. Specific fatty acid ethyl esters containing palmitoleic acid are recognized as GRAS by the FDA for food use.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Hexadecenoic acid is a valuable skin-identical ingredient that significantly enhances skin barrier function, provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, and shows promise for anti-aging through collagen and elastin support.

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