Butylene Glycol Behenate

What is Butylene Glycol Behenate?

Butylene Glycol Behenate is an ester formed from butylene glycol, a small molecular weight alcohol often produced via fermentation or petrochemical processes, and behenic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid typically sourced from vegetable oils like rapeseed or peanut. In cosmetics, it serves primarily in leave-on products such as creams, lotions, and foundations. It functions by mimicking natural skin lipids to provide a smooth, non-greasy feel, lowering surface tension for better spreading, and forming protective films at oil-water interfaces to prevent separation in emulsions. This dual action supports product texture and enhances skin feel during application, making it ideal for daily skincare formulations.

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:

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.

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Skin conditioning agent

Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Provides a softening effect by filling surface irregularities for smoother skin texture.

Aids in emulsion stability, ensuring consistent product consistency in creams and lotions.

Supports skin conditioning to promote flexibility and comfort without heaviness.

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 normal to dry skin seeking lightweight moisturization.	People with known allergies to glycols or long-chain fatty acid derivatives.
Users of emulsified products like lotions preferring stable, non-separating formulas.	Those experiencing irritation from ester-based emollients in patch tests.
Those prioritizing non-comedogenic ingredients for everyday routines.	Users preferring completely anhydrous or oil-free product types.

Safety Notes

Considered low hazard with no significant irritation potential in cosmetic use.
Non-comedogenic profile suitable for acne-prone skin formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Butylene Glycol Behenate

What is Butylene Glycol Behenate?

An ester of butylene glycol and behenic acid used as an emollient and emulsifier in skincare.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Generally low irritation risk, but patch testing recommended for individual tolerance.

Does it help with dry skin?

Offers softening and conditioning to improve skin feel and flexibility.