Beheneth-20
INCI: PEG-20 behenyl ether
Also known as: PEG-20 behenyl ether, Polyoxyethylene (20) behenyl ether, NIKKOL BB-20, docosanol, ethoxylated, 20 mol EO (average molar ratio)
Type of synthetic polymer
EWG Safety Score
What Is Beheneth-20?
Beheneth-20 is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as both an emulsifier and a surface-active agent, or surfactant. This means it both keeps unlike ingredients from separating in an emulsion (such as oil and water), and helps suspend soil, allowing it to rinse away from skin (helpful in cleanser formulations). The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled beneneth-20 safe in its current usage in cosmetics, where it is used in amounts ranging from 0.7-2%.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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CoSmile Europe, Website, Accessed October 2025 CoSmile Europe, 2025
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SpecialChem, Website, Accessed October 2025 SpecialChem, 2025
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International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 169S-244S International Journal of Toxicology, 2012
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