Many skincare products incorporate alcohol in their formulation. "Behenyl Alcohol" is one of the alcohols used in skincare treatments. What is its purpose? We provide you with more information about "Behenyl Alcohol" or behenyl alcohol. This way, you can understand the ingredients listed on skincare packaging.
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What is "Behenyl Alcohol" and what is its utility?
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Published October 29, 2021,
updated on February 2, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
2 min read
What is "Behenyl Alcohol"?
"Behenyl Alcohol", or behenyl alcohol, is of natural origin and belongs to the family of fatty alcohols. The INCI names "alcohol" that are preceded by a term ending with the suffix "-yl" are fatty alcohols. Example : Cetyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol. Behenyl alcohol is found in vegetables, in the mixture of long-chain fatty acids. It is colourless and waxy.
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What is the utility of "Behenyl Alcohol"?
Behenyl alcohol is used in skincare as a:
Emulsifying agent: This allows oily ingredients to mix with aqueous ingredients. It is also used as a emulsion stabiliser, meaning it promotes the emulsion while stabilising it and enhancing its preservation;
Thickening agent: It is used in skincare to increase the 'foaming' capacity of the product or to enhance the stability of the foam;
Emollient agent: It softens and smoothens the skin;
Control Verification Agent: It is used to increase or decrease the verification of skincare.
Behenyl alcohol is present in a wide range of care products, such as perfumes, body care products, and hair dyes. It is used as a preservative agent to protect the mixture from contamination. It also neutralises bacteria, soothes inflammation, and deodorises.
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