Behenic Acid is a fatty acid used in cosmetics as a thickener and opacifying agent. It enhances the texture of a wide range of beauty products like shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, eyeliners, and lipsticks. Depending on the desired aesthetics, it is used interchangeably with stearic acid. Also known as Docosanoic Acid, Behenic Acid is also an effective co-surfactant and works well with traditional cleansing agents. It creates oil-gel textures in cleansers enhancing their ability to remove excess oil and long-wearing ingredients. In its raw form, Behenic Acid appears as a wax-like white solid and has the chemical formula C22H44O2.
What is BEHENIC ACID used for?
Behenic Acid is a texture enhancer widely used in cosmetics to provide richness and viscosity. It enhances the spreadability and stability of products like creams, lotions, and balms. This fatty acid is also classified as a cleansing agent, although it is often paired with other traditional cleansers in formulations. It helps dissolve oil and dirt to be effectively rinsed away. Additionally, Behenic Acid forms a water repellent layer on the surface of skin and hair to prevent moisture loss. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, it makes the skin soft, smooth, and radiant. In products like hair conditioners and hair masks, Behenic Acid helps tame frizz and flyaways.
Origin
Behenic Acid is a compound naturally present in moringa oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, and canola oil. This plant-derived ingredient undergoes cold pressing or solvent extraction to obtain the oil. Then it is subjected to filtration and purification to make cosmetic-grade Behenic Acid. Though uncommon, this ingredient can also be made synthetically.
What does BEHENIC ACID do in a formulation?
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
OPACIFYING|
SURFACTANT|
MOISTURISING|
SMOOTHINGSafety Profile
Behenic Acid can be safely used in cosmetics within the recommended concentrations of 0.024% to 22%. It is harmless in both rinse off and leave on products and is well-tolerated by most skin types. This ingredient is rarely associated with comedogenicity or side effects. However, patch testing should be done prior to full application in order to test for individual compatibility.
BEHENIC ACID alternatives
BEHENIC ACID technical profile
| Property | Values |
Boiling Point | 306°C |
Melting Point | 80°C |
Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in oil |