Exhibit 99.1


              CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In  connection  with the  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal  quarter
ended  June 30,  2002 (the  "Report")  by  Bentley  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.  (the
"Registrant"), the undersigned hereby certifies that, to his knowledge:

     1.   The Report fully  complies with the  requirements  of section 13(a) or
          15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and

     2.   The  information  contained  in the  Report  fairly  presents,  in all
          material respects,  the financial  condition and results of operations
          of the Registrant.




                                                /s/ James R. Murphy
                                                --------------------------------
                                                James R. Murphy
                                                Chairman, President and Chief
                                                Executive Officer
                                                (Chief executive officer)

                                                August 8, 2002