Xymenynic acid is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid derived from the seeds of the Santalum album tree, commonly known as sandalwood, belonging to the Santalaceae family. This acid is valued for its beneficial properties, making it popular in various applications, particularly in the fields of cosmetics, personal care, and medicine.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The chemical composition of xymenynic acid includes a long carbon chain with multiple double bonds, characteristic of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its chemical structure is identified as 18-octadecynoic acid, featuring an acetylenic bond in the omega-9 position. This unique structure contributes to its bioactive properties.
Physical Properties
Xymenynic acid typically appears as a pale yellow to amber liquid with a mild, characteristic scent. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents and oils, making it suitable for various formulations in cosmetics and personal care products.
Production Process
The production of xymenynic acid involves several steps:
Harvesting and Selection: the seeds of the Santalum album tree are harvested and selected for quality
Cleaning: the harvested seeds are thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and contaminants
Extraction: the cleaned seeds are subjected to an extraction process, typically using organic solvents or mechanical pressing, to obtain the oil containing xymenynic acid
Purification: the extracted oil is purified to isolate xymenynic acid, often involving processes such as distillation or chromatography
Concentration (optional): in some processes, the acid may be concentrated to enhance the potency of the active ingredient
Packaging: the final product is packaged under controlled conditions to ensure stability and purity
Applications
Medicine: xymenynic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is used in traditional and modern medicine to treat various conditions such as skin inflammations, infections, and to promote overall health
Cosmetics: in the cosmetics industry, xymenynic acid is valued for its soothing, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties. It is commonly included in formulations of facial creams, serums, lotions, and masks
Herbal Medicine: xymenynic acid is used in herbal medicine for its potential health benefits, including supporting skin health, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing
Personal Care: beyond medical and cosmetic applications, xymenynic acid can also be used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and body oils for its nourishing and protective properties
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Environmental Impact: the production of xymenynic acid generally has a low environmental impact, especially when sustainable harvesting practices are employed. The use of organic solvents and mechanical pressing minimizes the release of harmful chemicals into the environment
Safety: xymenynic acid is considered safe for topical use in the concentrations typically employed in consumer products. However, it is essential to ensure that the acid is free from contaminants and pathogens. Allergic reactions are rare but cannot be excluded
INCI
Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:
CAS: 557-58-4 EC number 209-179-1
Xymenynic Acid 
