What Is Beheneth-25?
Beheneth-25 is an ingredient made by attaching about 25 units of ethylene oxide to behenyl alcohol, a long chain fatty alcohol that comes from natural oils such as rapeseed or peanut oil. The process, called ethoxylation, turns the oil-based alcohol into a non-ionic surfactant that mixes well with both water and oil. Chemists began using ethoxylated fatty alcohols in the 1970s to create gentler cleansers and smoother creams, and Beheneth-25 soon earned a place in many personal care formulas. Today you can spot it in facial cleansers, makeup removers, body washes, lotions, sunscreens, anti-aging creams, hair conditioners, sheet masks and even some styling products where it helps keep the formula stable and pleasant to apply.
Beheneth-25’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a cosmetic formula Beheneth-25 works behind the scenes to improve how the product cleans, feels and performs.
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that loosens dirt, excess oil and makeup so they rinse away easily without stripping skin or hair
- Emulsifying: Bridges the gap between water and oil, holding the two together so creams stay smooth, stable and easy to spread while also giving lotions a lightweight finish
Who Can Use Beheneth-25
Because Beheneth-25 is a mild non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier, most skin types—including normal, oily, combination and dry—can generally tolerate it well. Sensitive or easily irritated skin may also find it agreeable since it lacks the harsher charge of some anionic cleansers, yet people prone to redness should still keep an eye on how their skin feels after use. Those with very dry or compromised barrier conditions might prefer formulas where Beheneth-25 is paired with richer emollients to offset any possible tightness.
The raw material is typically sourced from plant oils and the ethoxylation step does not add any animal derivatives, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full product label though, as other ingredients in the same formula might not be animal-free.
No research points to specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Beheneth-25 is used topically. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor to be on the safe side.
Beheneth-25 does not heighten skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it is not considered a photosensitizer.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Beheneth-25 vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at typical cosmetic levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation
- Transient redness or warmth immediately after application
- Eye irritation if a cleanser containing Beheneth-25 gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to ethoxylated alcohols
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Although Beheneth-25 is made from a long chain fatty alcohol, the ethoxylation step turns it into a water-friendly surfactant that readily rinses off rather than lingering in pores. Its large molecular size also makes it less likely to penetrate deeply into follicles where blockages start. As a result it has a very low tendency to cause blackheads or pimples.
With a rating of 1 it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the rest of the formula is also non-comedogenic.
Formulas that combine Beheneth-25 with heavy oils or waxes could still pose a risk of congestion so always take the overall ingredient list into account.
Summary
Beheneth-25 acts as a mild cleanser, an effective emulsifier and an overall texture improver. By sitting at the interface of water and oil it lifts dirt while helping lotions, creams and cleansers stay smooth and stable. Its balanced performance has kept it in steady use since the 1970s, especially in everyday products like face washes, body lotions and sunscreens.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation and a very low comedogenic rating, making it a dependable pick for most skin types. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a product that contains Beheneth-25 before full use just to make sure your skin agrees with it.