What it is
Beheneth-30 is the polyoxyethylene ether of behenyl alcohol, a C22 fatty alcohol, ethoxylated with an average of 30 ethylene oxide units. Its combination of a long fatty chain and a relatively long ethylene oxide chain makes it a water-dispersible nonionic emulsifier. It is used to form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in sunscreens, 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
How does Beheneth-30 differ from Beheneth-25?
It carries more ethylene oxide units on average, making it somewhat more water-loving, which can shift its emulsifying behavior.
Is it an active ingredient?
No. It is a formulation aid that emulsifies the oil and water phases rather than a UV filter.