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Behenyl Alcohol
- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Behenyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer… creates smooth, creamy textures in creams, lotions, and conditioners.”
- Verification: Accurate. Behenyl alcohol, a long-chain fatty alcohol with 22 carbons (C22H46O), is widely used in cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer. It enhances the smooth, creamy texture of creams, lotions, and conditioners, providing moisturizing and conditioning benefits without the drying effects of short-chain alcohols like ethanol.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Behenyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetics, contributing to smooth textures in creams and lotions.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Behenyl alcohol stabilizes emulsions and enhances product consistency in skincare and haircare, distinct from drying alcohols like ethanol.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Behenyl alcohol is… derived from vegetable sources (rapeseed oil, coconut, palm oil) through reduction… synthetic sources (petroleum-based)… chemical structure is a long-chain fatty alcohol (C22H46O)… Carbon and Hydrogen Chains, Hydroxyl Group.”
- Verification: Accurate. Behenyl alcohol (C22H46O) is primarily derived from vegetable sources, such as rapeseed oil (canola), via reduction of behenic acid to alcohol. Coconut or palm oil may also be used, though rapeseed is more common due to its high behenic acid content. Synthetic production from petroleum is rare in cosmetics. Its structure includes a 22-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group, enabling emulsification and emollient properties. It’s typically plant-based and vegan-friendly.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Behenyl alcohol (C22H46O) is derived from vegetable oils like rapeseed through reduction, with a hydroxyl group enabling emulsification.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Behenyl alcohol is primarily plant-based, though synthetic petroleum sources exist, and is used in vegan-friendly cosmetic formulations.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Behenyl alcohol’s suitability… Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Oily/Acne-Prone Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Mature Skin.”
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Behenyl alcohol is well-tolerated by most skin types due to its emollient and non-irritating properties. It hydrates dry skin, enhances texture for normal skin, and soothes sensitive skin. For oily, acne-prone, and combination skin, it’s suitable in lightweight, non-comedogenic formulations but may clog pores in heavy creams, as you note for acne-prone skin. It supports mature skin by improving hydration and reducing fine lines. Patch testing is appropriately recommended for sensitive skin.
- Citations:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Behenyl alcohol is non-irritating and suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin, but may be comedogenic in heavy formulations for oily or acne-prone skin.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Behenyl alcohol hydrates mature skin and is well-tolerated, with patch testing advised for sensitive skin.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- Benefits (Erroneously Titled “Benefits of Azulene Extract”)
- Claim: Lists thickening, emollient, stabilization, non-drying, skin conditioning, emulsification, moisturization, non-irritating, barrier support, softening, hydration without oiliness, gentle, when formulated correctly (for acne-prone skin). [Assumed to describe behenyl alcohol, not Azulene Extract.]
- Verification: Mostly accurate for behenyl alcohol, with errors in the section title and some benefit descriptions. Behenyl alcohol thickens formulations, acts as an emollient (softens skin), stabilizes products, and is non-drying. It conditions skin, emulsifies oil-in-water mixtures, and supports mild moisturization. It’s non-irritating, supports the skin barrier, and softens texture. It hydrates without oiliness in balanced formulations and is gentle. The “when formulated correctly” benefit aligns with non-comedogenic potential for acne-prone skin. However, “lock in moisture” and “occlusive” suggest strong barrier-forming properties, which behenyl alcohol has only mildly compared to petrolatum. Benefits like “anti-inflammatory” and “antimicrobial” (attributed to Azulene Extract) do not apply to behenyl alcohol.
- Citations:
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x
- “Behenyl alcohol acts as an emollient, softening skin with mild occlusive properties, supporting barrier function in formulations.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Behenyl alcohol stabilizes emulsions, thickens products, and is non-irritating, enhancing cosmetic formulations.”
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x
- Pros
- Claim: Emulsification, texture enhancement, emollient properties, moisture retention, non-comedogenic when formulated correctly, stabilization, compatibility, versatility, mildness, natural/synthetic options.
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Behenyl alcohol excels at emulsifying, thickening, and softening skin as an emollient. It stabilizes products, is compatible with other ingredients, and is versatile across formulations. It’s mild and available from natural (plant-based) or synthetic sources. The “non-comedogenic when formulated correctly” claim is accurate but needs reinforcement, as heavy formulations may clog pores. “Moisture retention” as an occlusive needs qualification, as its effects are mild.
- Citations:
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Behenyl alcohol is a mild emollient and stabilizer, compatible with skincare ingredients, with natural and synthetic sourcing options.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Behenyl alcohol enhances texture and is non-comedogenic in lightweight formulations.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- Cons
- Claim: Potential for comedogenicity, heavy feel, sourcing concerns, allergy risk, occlusivity, impact on formulation, cost, misunderstanding due to name, limited in lightweight formulations.
- Verification: Accurate. Behenyl alcohol may be comedogenic in high concentrations or heavy formulations, particularly for acne-prone skin. Excessive use can create a thick, greasy feel. Sourcing from rapeseed or other oils raises sustainability concerns unless ethically sourced. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Its mild occlusivity may feel heavy for oily skin. Formulation requires balance to avoid altering texture, and costs vary with sourcing. The term “alcohol” may mislead consumers about drying effects. It’s less ideal for ultra-light products.
- Citations:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Behenyl alcohol can be comedogenic in thick formulations and may feel heavy, with rare allergic reactions.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Sourcing concerns for behenyl alcohol include agricultural sustainability, and formulation balance is critical to avoid greasiness.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
