Behenyl Behenate

Behenyl Behenate at a Glance

• Ester of behenic acid and behenyl alcohol
• Plant-derived or synthetic
• Hydrates skin + helps prevent moisture loss
• Considered safe as used in cosmetics

Behenyl Behenate Description

Behenyl behenate is the wax-like ester of the fatty acid behenic acid and fatty alcohol behenyl alcohol. This plant-derived or synthetic ingredient (Paula’s Choice uses the former) hydrates skin and adds occlusive properties to emulsions like creams and lotions, which help to prevent moisture loss.

This ingredient is considered safe as used in cosmetics, including products meant for application to lips. Usage levels in cosmetics range from 1–20%.

Interestingly, behenic acid is one of the fatty acids that occurs naturally in human sebum (oil), so it’s considered bio-compatible with skin. Behenic acid is also one of the saturated main fatty acids found in fish oil.

Behenyl Behenate References