Behenyl Alcohol

[be-he-nil, al-kə-ˌhol]

Categories: Emollients, Thickeners, Emulsions

Behenyl Alcohol Skincare Benefits:
Product Stabilizer

Behenyl alcohol, also known as docosanol, is a large fatty straight-chain alcohol. In cosmetic and skin care formulations, it is used as an opacifying ingredient, thickener, and emulsifier. As an opacifying agent, behenyl alcohol is used to reduce the clear or transparent appearance of cosmetic products. Its thickening property allows products to achieve a more desirable, spreadable texture. Behenyl alcohol also works as an emulsifier to prevent the oil and water phases of a product from separating. This works to improve the consistency of a product, which enables an even distribution of topical skincare benefits.1

  1. Elder, R. L. Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. J Am Coll Toxicol 7.3, 359-413 (1988)