EXHIBIT 32.1

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


In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2003 (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 of the Board of Directors, President
                                   and Chief Executive Officer
                                   (Principal Executive Officer)


                                   March 4, 2004