Glycerin ester of behenic acid – a solid structuring emollient. Gives creams a firm, non-greasy texture and a melting point around 70 °C for easy application. Non-comedogenic and pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional structurant with safety confirmed by CIR. No standalone active effects – works as a sensorial and rheological modifier.
Tribehenin is a triester of glycerin with three behenic acid molecules (C22). It is produced by trans-esterification of vegetable oils that contain behenic acid (rapeseed, mustard). INCI: Tribehenin. Sold as Compritol HD5 ATO and Sasol Performacol 425. In cosmetics it acts as a structuring agent – it raises the viscosity of creams, stabilizes emulsions and forms a pseudo-lipid film on the skin. The melting point is close to 70 °C, so the ingredient stays solid in the jar but melts at skin temperature and spreads easily. Use levels run from 1 to 5%. It is usually paired with a wax or another solid. Pregnancy safety. The molecule is large and lipophilic, so skin penetration into the systemic circulation is negligible. CIR rates the safety profile as acceptable. No teratogenic effects are described. Skin profile. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and atopic. The ingredient has no standalone cosmetic effects beyond structuring the formula and providing light occlusion – it is purely a working component.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Tribehenin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Tribehenin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Glycerin ester of behenic acid – a solid structuring emollient.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Tribehenin. It may also appear as: Glyceryl Tribehenate, Трибегенин.
Published: · updated: