Eicosenoic acid

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Other names for eicosenoic acid

Gondoic Acid
11-Eicosenoic Acid
Omega-9 Monounsaturated Fatty Acid

Synopsis of eicosenoic acid

Eicosenoic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with a 20-carbon chain and a single double bond. It exists in two main isomeric forms:

  • Gondoic acid (11-eicosenoic acid) – found primarily in jojoba oil
  • Paullinic acid (13-eicosenoic acid) – found in guarana seed oil and certain marine and plant oils

While not as widely known as omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, eicosenoic acid contributes to membrane structure, lipid metabolism, and may play a role in skin and cardiovascular health. It is not considered essential—the body can synthesize it from oleic acid—but dietary sources may provide additional support for lipid balance and anti-inflammatory signaling.

Benefits and applications of eicosenoic acid include:

  • Skin hydration and barrier repair, especially in cosmetic and dermatological products
  • Emollient and anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically
  • Potential cardiovascular support, due to its structural similarity to oleic acid (the main fatty acid in olive oil)
  • Use in biomedical applications and biomimetic skin formulations, particularly via jojoba oil, which is chemically similar to human sebum

It is mainly obtained from:

  • Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) – rich in gondoic acid
  • Guarana (Paullinia cupana) – a natural source of paullinic acid
  • Some fish oils and other seed oils in minor amounts

Historical Use
Eicosenoic acid itself has no direct historical use in herbal or traditional medicine, as it was identified and studied only in the 20th century, primarily through fatty acid analysis of oils and seeds.

However, its natural sources—especially jojoba oil—have a long tradition of use:

  • Jojoba oil was used by Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest for wound healing, skin hydration, and hair care. Its ability to soothe dry, irritated, or inflamed skin has made it a staple in modern cosmetic and therapeutic skin care.
  • Guarana, a source of paullinic acid, has been used in Amazonian herbal medicine for energy, cognition, and digestive support, though this use relates more to its caffeine content than its fatty acid profile.

Today, eicosenoic acid is most commonly encountered in natural skin care, dermatological products, and lipid research, where it supports skin health, hydration, and gentle anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in sensitive or dry skin conditions.

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