Common Name(s): Ethylhexylglyceryl behenate,2-ethylhexyl glyceryl behenate,glyceryl ethylhexyl behenate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Softens and conditions skin with a light, non-greasy feel while helping oil and water blend.
Why It's Used: Combines the non-greasy sensory profile of 2-ethylhexyl esters with the long-chain emolliency and structure of behenic acid (c22); mild hlb allows co-emulsification.
How It Works: Branched ethylhexyl group reduces greasiness; c22 behenic chain provides substantive emolliency and mild structuring; glyceryl linker enables mild emulsifying action.
Typically Found In: Premium skin care,facial moisturizers,anti-aging serums,non-greasy lotions
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emulsifying
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
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: 2-ethylhexanol synthetic; glycerin plant-derived; behenic acid from plant (rapeseed/peanut); semi-natural. [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: Well tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other emollients,humectants,natural oils,peptides
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Behenic acid (c22 saturated) provides a higher melting point contribution than stearic acid (c18), giving formulations improved structure and a skin feel with long substantivity; branched ethylhexyl ester reduces greasiness relative to straight-chain analogs.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary