Undecyl Alcohol

Other names: Undecanol, hendecanol

Undecyl alcohol, often referred to as undecanol or hendecanol, is a chemical belonging to the group of fatty alcohols. It is actually a clear to slightly yellowish liquid with a characteristic volatile odour. It is soluble in fats and ethanol, while it is very difficult to dissolve in water. Interestingly, it occurs naturally in some essential oils. Industrially, however, this substance is produced synthetically from cracking vegetable and animal fats, or is extracted from kerosene.

Undecyl alcohol is widely used in the cosmetic industry where it serves as an emollient and emollient. It is an important ingredient in creams, lotions and other cosmetic products with moisturizing properties. In addition, undecanol is used in industry as a component of certain surface treatments such as waxes, or to make esters used in the manufacture of plastics. It is also included in some disinfectants for its antimicrobial properties. However, undecanol is also valued in the food industry, where it serves as a flavouring agent, as it has a scent similar to rose or citrus. The safety of undecyl alcohol for human health is the subject of routine testing, but it is generally considered safe in normal use.