Undecylenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that has been studied for its antifungal properties, particularly against yeasts such as Candida but also other fungi. It helps inhibit fungal growth and supports a more favorable microbial balance. It is considered more potent than caprylic acid.
Common uses for Undecylenic acid
Fungal infections
- Skin fungi (e.g., athlete’s foot/tinea pedis, nail fungus)
- Yeast infections (Candida in the gut, mouth, or vagina)
- Skin-related fungal infections (ringworm, tinea corporis)
Skincare and cosmetics
- Included in certain antifungal creams and body washes
- Used for acne (partly by balancing the skin microbiome)
- May be included in beauty products to counter fungus-related skin concerns (e.g., seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea)
Undecylenic acid – quality can vary
Better protection against oxidation (critical for undecylenic acid)
Undecylenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that is sensitive to oxidation. Greatlife’s Undecylensyra has antioxidant protection that provides higher stability, longer shelf-life, and preserved biological activity. D-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) acts as a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects undecylenic acid from oxidizing. Rosemary extract contains natural polyphenols (e.g., carnosol, rosmarinic acid) that further stabilize fatty acids.
More stable oil base for the active substance
In Undecylensyra from Greatlife, the oil is used together with antioxidants, making it an active carrier, not just a filler. It protects, stabilizes, and helps deliver undecylenic acid in a more intact and effective state. In simpler formulations without antioxidants, the oil primarily functions as a passive filler, whereas in this composition it directly contributes to the product’s quality, shelf-life, and function. This reduces the risk of rancidity and quality degradation over time. The undecylenic acid remains chemically intact and effective for longer.
Less water = better for a fatty acid
Undecylenic Acid from Thorne contains purified water in the capsule material. Water increases the risk of:
- hydrolytic degradation
- microbial instability
- deterioration of fatty-acid quality over time
Undecylensyra from Greatlife:
- uses vegetable glycerin with no added water in the fill
- provides a drier, more stable environment for undecylenic acid
This is important for a fat-based antifungal agent.
Better tolerance and topical use
Undecylenic acid is often used internally and externally (topically for nail fungus). Undecylensyra from Greatlife contains skin-friendly lipids in the form of extra-virgin olive oil, complemented by fat-soluble antioxidants that contribute to stability and good tolerance, even with topical use. It is also better suited for topical application when needed than Undecylenic Acid from other brands.
Fewer capsules yet a higher dose
To reach 1,000 mg of undecylenic acid, you have to take 20 softgels of Thorne Sf722, while 4 softgels of Greatlife’s Undecylensyra are sufficient.
Functional quality
For Undecylensyra from Greatlife, we have:
- considered fatty-acid chemistry
- focused on stability and bioactivity
- formulated primarily for function, not just contents
Undecylenic Acid from Thorne is functional but more baseline than Undecylensyra from Greatlife, which is a more premium product.
