What it is
Cetyl Behenate is the ester formed between cetyl alcohol and behenic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. It is a solid wax at room temperature, so it is used to raise melting point, add structure, and thicken the oil phase of anhydrous and emulsion products. In sunscreens and lotions it contributes body and a smooth, conditioned skin feel.
Safety & warnings
Long-chain wax esters of this type are generally well tolerated and low in irritation potential, and Cetyl Behenate is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
It is a synthetic wax ester typically made from fatty alcohol and fatty acid that may be of plant or petrochemical origin.
Questions everyone asks
What is Cetyl Behenate used for?
It is a wax that thickens and structures the oil phase of a product while adding a smooth, conditioned skin feel.
Is Cetyl Behenate a wax or an oil?
It is a wax ester, solid at room temperature, used to add body and raise the melting point of a formula.