Beheneth-20
INCI: PEG-20 behenyl ether
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
Also known as: PEG-20 behenyl ether, Polyoxyethylene (20) behenyl ether, NIKKOL BB-20, docosanol, ethoxylated, 20 mol EO (average molar ratio)
Type of synthetic polymer
EWG Safety Score
What Is Beheneth-20?
Beheneth-20 is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics as both an emulsifier and a surface-active agent, or surfactant. This means it both keeps unlike ingredients from separating in an emulsion (such as oil and water), and helps suspend soil, allowing it to rinse away from skin (helpful in cleanser formulations). The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled beneneth-20 safe in its current usage in cosmetics, where it is used in amounts ranging from 0.7-2%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
CoSmile Europe, Website, Accessed October 2025 CoSmile Europe, 2025
-
SpecialChem, Website, Accessed October 2025 SpecialChem, 2025
-
International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 169S-244S International Journal of Toxicology, 2012
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizPart of a family
Beheneth-20 is a variant of Beheneth-30, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
A gentle surfactant derived from plant oils, used primarily in cleansing formulations
Related Ingredients
Beheneth-30
A gentle surfactant derived from plant oils, used primarily in cleansing formulations
Avocado Oil PEG-8 Esters
A modified plant oil that conditions skin whilst helping formulations blend
Avocado Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters
A plant-derived emollient and emulsifier derived from avocado oil
Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine
A conditioning agent that reduces static and helps emulsify formulations
Behenic Acid
A saturated fatty acid primarily used as a thickener and opacifying agent | Sometimes used as a replacement for the lighter-weight ingredient stearic acid
Behenyl Pg-Trimonium Chloride
A conditioning agent that helps stabilise formulations and improve texture
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.