What it is
Beheneth-25 is the polyoxyethylene ether of behenyl alcohol, a long-chain C22 fatty alcohol, ethoxylated with an average of 25 ethylene oxide units. The long fatty chain provides an oil-compatible portion while the ethylene oxide chain provides water solubility, making it an effective nonionic emulsifier and surfactant. It helps create and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in sunscreens and other lotions and creams.
Safety & warnings
Beheneth-type ethoxylates are generally well tolerated as emulsifiers at use levels. As with other PEG-based ethoxylated ingredients, manufacturing controls limit trace 1,4-dioxane, and well-purified grades are standard in cosmetics.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; manufactured by ethoxylating behenyl alcohol, which can be derived from plant oils or petrochemical sources.
Questions everyone asks
What does the 25 mean?
It indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units attached, which governs how water-loving the molecule is and how it behaves as an emulsifier.
What is its job in a sunscreen?
It acts as a nonionic emulsifier that helps blend the oil and water phases into a stable, uniform formula.