Common Name(s): Beheneth-2,peg-2 behenyl ether,peg-2 docosanol ether

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions form and leaves a smooth, conditioning feel on skin.

Why It's Used: Used as a low-hlb co-emulsifier in w/o and w/si systems; the long c22 behenyl chain provides structure and emolliency.

How It Works: 2 eo units give low hlb (~4–5); c22 behenyl chain provides high melting point (waxy) character; forms stable w/o emulsions especially with complementary high-hlb emulsifiers.

Typically Found In: Rich creams,w/o emulsions,body butters,skin conditioning formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Emollient,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Behenyl alcohol from rapeseed or synthetic; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. not associated with sensitization.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: High-hlb emulsifiers,natural waxes,fatty alcohols,emollients

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

C22 behenyl ethoxylates with low eo (2) function similarly to waxes, contributing to emulsion structure and thickening; hlb ~4–5 is appropriate for w/o emulsion formation when combined with higher hlb partners (hlb 10–16).

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,supplier technical data