Behenic Acid
A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, opacifying, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Docosanoic acid
What does it do?
Behenic Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Cleansing
helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair
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Opacifying
makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Behenic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Behenic Acid?
Behenic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Docosanoic acid
Is Behenic Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Behenic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Behenic Acid do in cosmetic products?
Behenic Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, opacifying, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Behenic Acid?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Behenic Acid is 112-85-6.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010