Common Name(s): 10-hydroxydecenoic acid,royal jelly 10-hda (trans-2-decenoic acid),queen bee anti-aging fatty acid,sebum regulating anti-microbial

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides antimicrobial activity against bacteria and candida, regulates sebum production through 5-alpha-reductase modulation, delivers anti-inflammatory activity from the hydroxy fatty acid's cox/lox pathway interference, and conditions skin from the c10 fatty acid's sc-compatible lipid chemistry.

Why It's Used: 10-hda is the most potent and characteristic royal jelly bioactive — its unique trans-2-unsaturated hydroxy acid structure provides the biological activities that differentiate royal jelly from worker bee products.

How It Works: 10-hda trans-2-enoate michael acceptor provides covalent inhibition of bacterial fatty acid synthesis (enoyl-acp reductase) analogous to undecylenic acid. the 10-hydroxy group provides additional enzyme inhibitor contacts at the active site. anti-inflammatory: hydroxy fatty acid metabolites compete with arachidonic acid at cox/lox active sites.

Typically Found In: Royal jelly skin care,anti-acne,sebum control

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: No – bee

Halal Status: Conditional

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Royal jelly concentration variability: 10-hda content is the quality marker for royal jelly — standardised royal jelly extracts should specify minimum 1.4% 10-hda (fresh weight) for consistent bioactivity.

Last Verified: Cosing database,10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid royal jelly anti-aging review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22