Behenyl Alcohol
C22 fatty alcohol from rapeseed or mustard oil. Softens the skin and stabilizes emulsions as a co-emulsifier.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Behenyl Alcohol (C22) is a long-chain fatty alcohol produced by reduction of behenic acid from rapeseed, mustard, or moringa oil. Despite the word 'alcohol' in the name, it is unrelated to ethanol or other short-chain alcohols that dry the skin. Mechanism. Works as a co-emulsifier and structurant: stabilises an emulsion by helping the oil phase distribute in the water phase, and gives the cream body and a creamy texture. On skin it softens gently thanks to its long lipophilic chain – it embeds into the upper layers of intercellular lipids. Where applied. Face and body creams, shampoos and conditioners, smoothing hair products, balms. Concentration 1–5%. In Spain often part of pharmacy dermocosmetics: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche, Avène Cold Cream, CeraVe Moisturising Lotion. Usually pairs in formula with cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohols for fine texture tuning. Safety. CIR confirmed the safety of C12-C22 fatty alcohols including behenyl in 2018. Irritation is extremely rare; contact allergy reports are isolated. Non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Used without restriction. Functional role. A formula aid, not a cosmetic active. Does not work for skin on its own; helps the formula stay stable and pleasant.
Frequently asked questions
Is Behenyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Behenyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Behenyl Alcohol for?
Behenyl Alcohol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Behenyl Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
C22 fatty alcohol from rapeseed or mustard oil.
What's the INCI name for Behenyl Alcohol?
The INCI name is Behenyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: 1-Docosanol.
See Behenyl Alcohol in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Behenyl Beeswax, Benzaldehyde, Benzisothiazolinone, Benzoic Acid, Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol, Manganese Gluconate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sodium Polymethacrylate
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