Beheneth-5
INCI: Behenyl Alcohol
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Behenyl Alcohol
Beheneth-5 is a derivative of polyethylene glycol and non-drying
EWG Safety Score
What Is Beheneth-5?
Beheneth-5 is a derivative of polyethylene glycol and non-drying behenyl alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in skin care products. It can be synthetic or plant-derived.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, Volume 31, Supplement 5, pages 169S-244S International Journal of Toxicology, 2012
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- BEHENETH-5
- EC Number
- -
- Function
- Emulsifying
From the Clinic
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Beheneth-5 is a variant of Behenyl Alcohol, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Is considered a fatty, non-drying form of alcohol | Used as a thickener and moisturising ingredient in cosmetics
Related Ingredients
Behenyl Alcohol
Is considered a fatty, non-drying form of alcohol | Used as a thickener and moisturising ingredient in cosmetics
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Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that stabilises emulsions and adjusts texture in skincare formulations
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that stabilises emulsions and helps maintain product texture
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