Behenyl Alcohol
Also known as: 1-docosanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Fatty Alcohol, Alcohol
Is considered a fatty, non-drying form of alcohol | Used as a thickener and moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Behenyl Alcohol?
Behenyl alcohol, also known as 1-docosanol, is a synthetic or plant-derived thickening agent and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It also serves as a moisturizing ingredient. It’s considered a fatty alcohol not related to drying forms of alcohol in skin care. In its raw form it is a white, waxy solid. Even though it is a thickening ingredient, it is not considered pore-clogging. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has deemed behenyl alcohol to be good for skin and safe for topical application as used in cosmetics.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2017, pages 206-216 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12366]
-
International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 77-142 [https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/ijta/33/2]
-
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, March 2010, Volume 11, pages 853-860 [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14656566.2010.484100]
-
Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 1-55 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10915818809023137]
-
CosmeticsInfo.org, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/behenyl-alcohol/]
Related Ingredients
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that blends steareth-20 with one or more forms of methacrylic acid | Used as a thickening agent in skin care and hair care products
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Synthetic polymer and film-forming agent | Serves to thicken cosmetic formulas
Ammonium Glycyrrhizate
Compound isolated from licorice plants | Used as a soothing, skin-conditioning agent in personal care products
Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Why isn’t this ingredient rated?
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.