Behenyl Alcohol

Rating:good

INCI name

  • BEHENYL ALCOHOL,

Alternative names

  • Behenylalkohol,

Origin

  • herbal,
  • synthetic,

Definition

  • Octadecan-1-ol,

INCI function

  • binding,
  • emulsion stabilising,
  • viscosity regulating,
  • softening,

Substance category

  • Fatty alcohols,

Characteristics

  • approved for certified natural cosmetics
  • provides cohesion in cosmetic products
  • supports the emulsion formation and improves the emulsion stability and emulsion durability
  • increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products
  • softens or makes pliable another substance that could not otherwise be easily deformed, applied or worked up.

CAS-No.

  • 661-19-8,

EINECS/EILINCS-No.

  • 211-546-6,

Studies, literature and statements

Kursbuch Kosmetik, page 45

Fatty alcohols are used as thickening agents and co-emulsifiers which make the skin smooth and soft. Such fatty alcohols are found in many products under the name of 'cetyl alcohol', 'benzyl alcohol', 'stearyl alcohol' or 'myristyl alcohol'. Cetyl alcohol is, for example, a white substance, often used as a consistency element, which is not only irritation-free and non-toxic, but also has the advantage of not becoming rancid.

Wikipedia

Fatty alcohols are not mixable with water, but can be replaced with oleum or chlorosulphonic acid into fatty alcohol sulphate, which is very important as an anionic surfactant. In addition, fatty alcohols are the basic ingredients in many crèmes and salves.

Springer Lexikon Kosmetik, page 204

Occurrences: In plant fats and sebaceous glands. Makes the skin smooth and silky. Oil component, consistency giver.

Product examples