Behenyl Alcohol
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: 1-docosanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Fatty Alcohol, Alcohol
Is considered a fatty, non-drying form of alcohol | Used as a thickener and moisturising ingredient in cosmetics
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Behenyl Alcohol?
Behenyl alcohol, also known as 1-docosanol, is a synthetic or plant-derived thickening agent and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It also serves as a moisturizing ingredient. It’s considered a fatty alcohol not related to drying forms of alcohol in skin care. In its raw form it is a white, waxy solid. Even though it is a thickening ingredient, it is not considered pore-clogging. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has deemed behenyl alcohol to be good for skin and safe for topical application as used in cosmetics.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2017, pages 206-216 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12366]
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International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 77-142 [https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/ijta/33/2]
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Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, March 2010, Volume 11, pages 853-860 [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14656566.2010.484100]
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Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 1-55 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10915818809023137]
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CosmeticsInfo.org, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/behenyl-alcohol/]
From the Clinic
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Take the skin quizOther forms of Behenyl Alcohol
These appear on ingredients lists under different names but are the same substance. Behenyl Alcohol is the common form.
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