Beheneth-25

What is Beheneth-25?

Beheneth-25 is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating behenyl alcohol, a long-chain fatty alcohol typically sourced from vegetable oils like rapeseed. With an average of 25 ethylene oxide units attached, it belongs to the alkyl polyether alcohol family. In cosmetics, it appears in shampoos, body washes, creams, and lotions. Its primary function involves reducing surface tension between oil and water phases, enabling stable emulsions that blend immiscible ingredients smoothly. As a cleansing component, it generates micelles to encapsulate and lift away dirt, excess sebum, and residues, supporting effective yet non-stripping removal during rinse-off applications. This versatility aids in creating lightweight textures and controlled foaming in various rinse-off and leave-on products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Benefits

Gentle surface tension reduction for effective dirt and oil removal.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for consistent product textures.

Supports mild foaming in cleansers without harshness.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users seeking non-drying cleansers for daily routines.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
Individuals with normal skin preferring stable moisturizers.
Individuals avoiding polyether compounds in cosmetics.
People formulating with mild surfactants for body washes.
People with rare allergies to long-chain fatty alcohols.

Safety Notes

  • Low hazard rating from environmental health assessments.
  • Generally mild with minimal irritation potential in formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beheneth-25

What is Beheneth-25 used for?

It serves as a surfactant and cleansing agent to emulsify and remove impurities in washes and creams.

Is Beheneth-25 comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, unlikely to clog pores.

How safe is Beheneth-25 in products?

Rated low hazard, suitable for most cosmetic applications.