What Is Beheneth-10?
Beheneth-10 is a man-made ingredient created by reacting behenyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that occurs naturally in plants like rapeseed and peanut, with ethylene oxide. The number 10 tells you that, on average, ten units of ethylene oxide are attached to each behenyl alcohol molecule. This process, called ethoxylation, turns the originally waxy behenyl alcohol into a water-friendly substance that mixes well with oils and water.
Its use in cosmetics dates back to the late 20th century when formulators wanted milder alternatives to strong detergents and more stable emulsifiers for creams. By tweaking the amount of ethylene oxide added, chemists found they could fine-tune how well the ingredient cleans or blends formulas. Beheneth-10 hit the sweet spot for everyday skin and hair products, offering dependable performance without harshness.
Production begins with plant-derived fatty acids that are converted to behenyl alcohol. This alcohol is then carefully reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The finished material is purified, tested for safety and consistency then shipped as a creamy paste or flakes ready for blending into finished goods.
You will most often see Beheneth-10 in facial cleansers, body washes, makeup removers, conditioners, moisturizers, sunscreens, sheet masks and lightweight serums where a smooth, non-greasy feel is important.
Beheneth-10’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Beheneth-10 for two key reasons.
- Cleansing: It helps lift dirt, oil and makeup from skin and hair without stripping away natural moisture, giving products a gentle yet effective wash-off performance.
- Emulsifying: It binds water and oil into a stable mix so creams do not separate, lotions stay silky and serums feel feather-light.
Who Can Use Beheneth-10
Beheneth-10 is generally well tolerated by all major skin types. Its mild, non stripping cleansing action suits dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Sensitive skin usually does fine because the molecule is large and less likely to penetrate or disrupt the skin barrier however anyone with a known allergy to fatty alcohols or ethoxylated ingredients should proceed with caution.
The behenyl alcohol used to make Beheneth-10 is almost always sourced from plant oils such as rapeseed or peanut so the finished ingredient is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. If total certainty is required, check that the supplier confirms a plant origin and that no animal derived processing aids were used.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Beheneth-10 is used at the low percentages found in cosmetics. The molecule is large, stays on the surface and has not been linked to hormone disruption. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review their skincare routine with a healthcare professional to be safe.
Beheneth-10 does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so no extra sun protection steps are needed beyond everyday SPF use. The ingredient is also non volatile, fragrance free and plays nicely with most actives which keeps the chance of unexpected reactions low.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topically applied Beheneth-10 differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential effects and, when the ingredient has been used correctly by the product maker, most people will not experience them.
- Mild skin irritation in individuals who are particularly reactive to ethoxylated compounds
- Contact allergy presenting as redness, itching or small bumps if someone is sensitized to fatty alcohol derivatives
- Transient eye stinging if a cleanser or shampoo containing Beheneth-10 accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness with very frequent use of high foaming formulas on already dehydrated skin
If you develop any of these signs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Beheneth-10 is classed as a low clogging risk because the molecule is large, water friendly and tends to rinse off or sit on the surface rather than settle deep into pores. It is not an oily film former and does not trap dead skin or sebum the way heavier waxes can.
People who break out easily usually tolerate it well but, as always, overall formula matters. A product loaded with rich oils could still feel heavy even if Beheneth-10 itself is light.
Summary
Beheneth-10 works in two main ways: it helps cleanse by loosening dirt and makeup so they wash away easily and it acts as an emulsifier that keeps water and oil smoothly blended for stable, silky textures. Chemists like it because it hits that sweet spot of being mild yet effective, which is why you will spot it in many everyday cleansers, lotions, sunscreens and hair conditioners though it is not a headline ingredient the average shopper would recognize.
Safety data show it is generally gentle on skin and eyes when used at the low levels common in cosmetics. Allergies or irritation are rare. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to do a small patch test whenever you try a new product that contains Beheneth-10 just to be extra safe.