Tribehenin
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.
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, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tribehenin safe during pregnancy?
Tribehenin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Tribehenin for?
Tribehenin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Tribehenin and what does it do in cosmetics?
Glycerin ester of behenic acid – a solid structuring emollient.
Is Tribehenin comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Tribehenin?
The INCI name is Tribehenin. It may also appear as: Glyceryl Tribehenate.
See Tribehenin in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni 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.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Tributyl Citrate, Tridecane, Trideceth-10, Trideceth-6, Cera Carnauba, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Pumice
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