Cetearyl Behenate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
Share:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cetearyl Behenate?

Cetearyl Behenate is an ester made from behenic acid, a long chain fatty acid also called docosanoic acid, and cetearyl alcohol, a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols derived from vegetable oils such as coconut or palm. The pairing of a fatty acid with a fatty alcohol creates a waxy solid that melts around skin temperature, giving it a luxurious slip and soft finish.

Although fatty esters have been used in skin care since the mid twentieth century, Cetearyl Behenate became popular in the 1990s when formulators looked for plant based alternatives to mineral oil derivatives. By tweaking the chain lengths of both the acid and the alcohol, chemists produced an ingredient that feels rich without greasiness and that stabilizes lotions and creams.

Manufacturing starts with refining natural oils to isolate behenic acid and the two fatty alcohols. These components are then reacted under controlled heat and pressure in the presence of a catalyst, forming the ester bond. After purification and deodorization the finished powder or flakes are ready for cosmetic use.

Thanks to its velvety texture and stability, Cetearyl Behenate shows up in a wide range of products: daily moisturizers, night creams, body butters, lip balms, sunscreen lotions, foundations, face masks and anti aging serums.

Cetearyl Behenate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking fatty ester offers several perks to both skin and product texture.

  • Skin conditioning: Creates a smooth, soft feel on the skin surface helping rough or dry areas feel supple and comfortable
  • Emollient: Forms a light breathable layer that traps water in the upper skin layers reducing transepidermal water loss for lasting hydration
  • Skin protecting: Adds a thin protective film that shields skin from environmental aggressors like wind or cold while contributing to the overall integrity of the cosmetic formulation

Who Can Use Cetearyl Behenate

Cetearyl Behenate is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Dry and normal skin often benefit the most thanks to its moisture-locking abilities while combination skin usually finds it comfortable because it melts in without a heavy greasy residue. Oily or very acne-prone users may prefer to use it sparingly as richer fatty esters can occasionally feel too occlusive on already overactive skin.

The ingredient is sourced from plant oils and no animal-derived components are involved in its standard production so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

There is nothing in its chemistry that poses a known risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show any skin care product to a qualified health professional before adding it to a routine just to be safe.

Cetearyl Behenate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with common active ingredients such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cetearyl Behenate differ from person to person. The points below outline possible but uncommon issues. When the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product most people will not notice any of these problems.

  • Mild redness or stinging in individuals with very reactive or compromised skin barriers
  • Contact dermatitis in rare cases of allergy to fatty alcohols or esters
  • Clogged pores or breakouts particularly in users who already struggle with frequent congestion and apply thick layers

If any irritation or other unwanted reaction develops stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 2 / 5

Cetearyl Behenate is a fatty ester, and like many long chain lipids it can sit on the skin surface for a while before fully absorbing. That extra residence time gives it a small chance of trapping dead cells and oil in pores, which is why it does not score a perfect zero. Still, its branched structure keeps it lighter than straight mineral oils, so most users never see clogged pores from it.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in low to moderate amounts, but very oily skin may want lighter textures.

Comedogenicity also depends on the entire formula, the percentage used, and how thickly the product is layered. A gel cream with 1 percent Cetearyl Behenate is far less likely to cause bumps than a heavy balm that is 10 percent waxes and butters.

Summary

Cetearyl Behenate works as a skin conditioner, emollient and skin protectant. It melts near body temperature to glide on smoothly, fills in rough spots and leaves behind a soft breathable film that locks water into the upper layers of skin. That same film also helps shield skin from wind or cold while giving creams a richer yet non-greasy feel.

The ingredient has quietly become a staple in moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup primers and lip balms because it offers a plush texture without using petrolatum. It is not as famous as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide but formulators reach for it regularly when they need a plant-based thickener that feels silky.

Safety data show it is non-toxic and rarely irritating. Allergies are uncommon and its comedogenic rating is low-to-moderate so most people can enjoy it with confidence. As with any new product, do a small patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT