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Arachidic Acid

What Arachidic Acid is & what it does

Arachidic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid (also called eicosanoic acid) found naturally in some plant oils such as peanut and certain other seed and nut oils. In cosmetics it functions as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsion stabilizer, helping to thicken products and keep oil and water phases blended. Its fatty-acid nature also lends a conditioning, smoothing feel to creams and lotions.

What does Arachidic Acid do in skincare?

Arachidic Acid is a long-chain fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsion stabilizer. It helps thicken creams and lotions and keeps the oil and water phases blended together. Its fatty-acid nature also gives a smooth, conditioning feel to the skin.

Is Arachidic Acid comedogenic?

Arachidic Acid is a fatty acid used in small amounts mainly as a thickener and stabilizer, and at these levels it is not generally flagged as highly pore-clogging. As with any fatty material, very acne-prone skin can react differently, so individual results vary. A patch test is helpful if you are concerned about breakouts.

Is Arachidic Acid natural or synthetic?

Arachidic Acid occurs naturally in several plant oils such as peanut oil, but the cosmetic-grade ingredient can be sourced from natural oils or produced synthetically. Either way it is the same defined fatty acid, processed to a consistent quality for use in formulas.

Sunscreens with Arachidic Acid

We rate 18 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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