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TRIBEHENIN

Last update on May 4, 2023
Glycerin and behenic acid (plant-derived fatty acid) combine to form tribehenin. In cosmetics and personal care products, it serves as an occlusive and skin-conditioning agent and is a member of the Glyceryl Triester class. It is a very soft, non-crystalline, amorphous wax that can be used to alter the characteristics of other waxes.
CAS Number: 18641-57-1Chem/IUPAC Name: 2,3-di(docosanoyloxy)propyl docosanoateEINECS/ELINCS No: 242-471-7COSING REF No: 38647

Products with TRIBEHENIN

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Distinctive® Squalane Butter 45

by Vantage

INCI: SQUALANE | CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE | BEHENYL BEHENATE | TRIBEHENIN
  • Sustainable option
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Syncrowax™ HRC

by Croda

INCI: TRIBEHENIN
  • Sustainable option
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What is TRIBEHENIN used for?

Tribehenin works as an emollient and a thickening or gelling agent. It also as a compacting agent for pressed powders, and improves the heat stability of emulsions.
  • Skin care: It is a conditioning agent used in a wide range of skin care products, including makeup formulas, creams, and lotions. It is found in both animal and vegetable fats and oils, including tallow, palm-nut, and coconut oils. It is a mixture of the skin-replenishing glycerin and behenic acid, that conditions the skin and prevents moisture loss.

    It is a very soft and amorphous (non-crystalline) wax that can be used to change the characteristics of other waxes by reducing rigidity and crystallinity and softening their structure. It gives stick systems a glossy finish and gives products a smooth application and pleasant feel. It is especially helpful when creating anhydrous systems like soft solid antiperspirants and lip salves

Origin

Glycerin and the appropriate fatty acid are used to create the glyceryl triesters. For instance, glycerin and behenic acid are used to make tribehenin.

What does TRIBEHENIN do in a formulation?

EMOLLIENT|
SKIN CONDITIONING

Safety Profile

The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Tribehenin, Tricaprin was safe to be used in cosmetics and personal care products. Tribehenin at 0.38% in products was also negative in repeat insult patch tests. Tribehenin is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which notes that it can be a penetration enhancer and assist other chemicals in reaching lower levels of the skin.

TRIBEHENIN alternatives

TRIBEHENIN technical profile

Property Values
Melting Point 60-65°C
pH 6.3
Solubility Insoluble in water