Behenyl Alcohol

Benefits
SoothingSoftening

What is Behenyl Alcohol?

Behenyl Alcohol, chemically known as 1-docosanol, is a straight-chain saturated fatty alcohol containing 22 carbon atoms, appearing as a white waxy solid. It occurs naturally in some vegetable oils like rapeseed and can also be synthesized for purity. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on skincare products such as moisturizers, conditioners, and sunscreens, it serves as an emollient and structuring agent. In formulations, it softens skin by mimicking natural lipids to improve flexibility and hydration retention without greasiness. It thickens emulsions by interacting at oil-water interfaces, boosting stability against separation, and controls viscosity for better application and even distribution. This multifunctional role supports diverse textures from lotions to solid sticks, enhancing overall product performance and skin feel.

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

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.

Benefits

Delivers softening effect for smoother skin texture.

Offers soothing properties for comfortable application.

Enhances formula stability as an emollient and thickener.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or chapped skin seeking gentle hydration.
People with known allergies to fatty alcohols.
Users preferring lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers.
Individuals avoiding alcohol-derived thickeners entirely.
Those with sensitive skin needing stable, soothing ingredients.
Those sensitive to plant oil components in rare cases.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments.
  • Minimal irritation potential in cosmetic concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Behenyl Alcohol

What is behenyl alcohol derived from?

Typically from vegetable oils like rapeseed or made synthetically.

Is behenyl alcohol comedogenic?

No, it has a rating of 0 and does not clog pores.

Can sensitive skin use it?

Yes, it provides soothing benefits with low irritation risk.