BEHENYL ALCOHOL

BEHENYL ALCOHOL

CAS No.: 661-19-8
EC No.: 211-546-6

1-Docosanol, also known as behenyl alcohol, is a saturated fatty alcohol containing 22 carbon atoms, used traditionally as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetics, and nutritional supplement (as an individual entity and also as a constituent of policosanol).

More recently, docosanol has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a pharmaceutical antiviral agent for reducing the duration of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in the OTC medication Abreva. In Europe, this cream is available as Erazaban.

Behenyl alcohol is a carboxylic acid, the saturated fatty acid with formula C21H43COOH. In appearance, it consists of white to cream color crystals or powder with a melting point of 80 °C and boiling point of 306 °C.

Synonyms:
ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; 1-DOCOSANOL; Docosanol; docosan-1-ol; Behenyl alcohol; 661-19-8; Behenic alcohol; Abreva; Docosyl alcohol; n-Docosanol; Tadenan; Lidavol; Lanette 22; Lidakol; Stenol 1822; Stenol 1822A; Docosanol [USAN]; Nacol 22-97; IK 2; Docosanol (VAN); NAA 422; IK.2; 30303-65-2; NSC 8407; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; UNII-9G1OE216XY; Docosanol (Abreua); Docosanol (Abreva); Docosanol (USAN); HSDB 5739; C22H46O; 1-Docosanol, 98%; EINECS 211-546-6; BRN 1770470; AI3-36489; 9G1OE216XY; CHEBI:31000; NSC-8407; NCGC00159370-02; AK113719; Doconsanol; Erazaban; Herepair; Debat; Healip; docosanyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; Cachalot BE-22; Abreva (TN); Loxiol VPG 1451; CCRIS 8943; behenic alcohol; C22 Alcohol; Docosanol-(1); ACMC-1CMUG; DSSTox_CID_7286; EC 211-546-6; V-1326; DSSTox_RID_78387; DSSTox_GSID_27286; SCHEMBL51925; 4-01-00-01906 (Beilstein Handbook Reference); CHEMBL1200453; DTXSID4027286; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; CTK1C3756; NSC8407; HMS2093P22; Pharmakon1600-01505729; EBD35098; HY-B0222; KS-000015DV; ZINC6920384; Tox21_111611; ANW-35147; LMFA05000008; MFCD00002939; NSC759235; s1637; SBB060170; AKOS015902887; API0002466; API0015199; CCG-213539; DB00632; MCULE-3239333381; NSC-759235; Behenyl alcohol, AI3-36489, Behenic alcohol, 1-Docosanol, Docosyl alcohol, IK-2, Tadenan; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; NCGC00159370-03; NCGC00159370-04; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALKOL; behenyl alkol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALKOL; behenyl alkol; NCGC00159370-05; 1-Docosanol, purum, >=97.0% (GC); AC-19852; CAS-661-19-8; CC-04445; K949; LS-63381; SC-15883; SBI-0206938.P001; AX8022073; LS-174295; A8416; AM20100601; D0964; FT-0622609; ST51046404; 2793-EP2374787A1; D03884; 33906-EP2275420A1; 33906-EP2295055A2; 33906-EP2295416A2; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; 33906-EP2298748A2; 33906-EP2298764A1; 33906-EP2298765A1; 33906-EP2305642A2; 33906-EP2311453A1; 33906-EP2311808A1; 33906-EP2311829A1; AB01563123_01; AB01563123_02; C-33691; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; SR-05000001915; Q3033497; SR-05000001915-1; UNII-2C9Z9D1QFE component NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N; UNII-B1K89384RJ component NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N; UNII-O4M0347C6A component NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N; A3D72D45-625E-49B5-B0FC-394010B3485D; 1-Docosanol;docosan-1-ol;BEHENYL ALCOHOL;1-Docosanol, aluminum salt; 1-Docosanol; docosan-1-ol; Behenic alcohol; Docosyl alcohol; Docosanol-(1); n-Eicosanol; Behenyl Alcodol (Lanette 22); Unette 22; 1-Docosanol; Behenyl alcohol; Synonym:ALCOHOL C22; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; DOCOSANOL; DOCOSANOL, N-; JARCOL 22; N-DOCOSANOL; Behenic alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol;  BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; behenicalcohol; Cachalot BE-22; Dehydag wax 22 (lanette); Docosan-1-ol; Docosanol-(1); Docosyl alcohol; docosylalcohol; Emery 3304; ik2; lidavol; Loxiol VPG 1451; tadenan; ik2; lidavol; tadenan; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; JARCOL 22; DOCOSANOL; Emery 3304; ALCOHOL C22; N-DOCOSANOL; 1-DOCOSANOL; N-DOCOSANOL; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; 1-Docosanol; 4-01-00-01906 (Beilstein Handbook Reference); Abreva; AI3-36489; Behenic alcohol; Behenyl alcohol; BRN 1770470; CCRIS 8943; Docosanol; Docosyl alcohol; EC 211-546-6; EINECS 211-546-6; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; UNII-9G1OE216XY; Docosanol (Abreua); Docosanol (Abreva); Docosanol (USAN); HSDB 5739; C22H46O; 1-Docosanol, 98%; EINECS 211-546-6; BRN 1770470; AI3-36489; 9G1OE216XY; CHEBI:31000; NSC-8407; NCGC00159370-02; AK113719; Doconsanol; Erazaban; Herepair; Debat; Healip; docosanyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; Cachalot BE-22; Abreva (TN); Loxiol VPG 1451; CCRIS 8943; behenic alcohol; C22 Alcohol; Docosanol-(1); ACMC-1CMUG; DSSTox_CID_7286; EC 211-546-6; V-1326; DSSTox_RID_78387; DSSTox_GSID_27286; SCHEMBL51925; 4-01-00-01906 (Beilstein Handbook Reference); CHEMBL1200453; DTXSID4027286; CTK1C3756; NSC8407; HMS2093P22; Pharmakon1600-01505729; EBD35098; HY-B0222; KS-000015DV; ZINC6920384; Tox21_111611; ANW-35147; LMFA05000008; MFCD00002939; NSC759235; s1637; SBB060170; AKOS015902887; API0002466; API0015199; CCG-213539; DB00632; MCULE-3239333381; NSC-759235; Behenyl alcohol, AI3-36489, Behenic alcohol, 1-Docosanol, Docosyl alcohol, IK-2, Tadenan; NCGC00159370-03; NCGC00159370-04; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol;        NCGC00159370-05; 1-Docosanol, purum, >=97.0% (GC); AC-19852; CAS-661-19-8; CC-04445; K949; LS-63381; SC-15883; SBI-0206938.P001; AX8022073; LS-174295; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE; БЕНИЛОВЫЙ СПИРТ; A8416; AM20100601; D0964; FT-0622609; ST51046404; 2793-EP2374787A1; D03884; 33906-EP2275420A1; 33906-EP2295055A2; 33906-EP2295416A2; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; 33906-EP2298748A2; 33906-EP2298764A1; 33906-EP2298765A1; 33906-EP2305642A2; 33906-EP2311453A1; 33906-EP2311808A1; 33906-EP2311829A1; AB01563123_01; AB01563123_02; C-33691; SR-05000001915; Q3033497; SR-05000001915-1; UNII-2C9Z9D1QFE component NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N; UNII-B1K89384RJ component NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N; UNII-O4M0347C6A component NOPFSRXAKWQILS-UHFFFAOYSA-N; A3D72D45-625E-49B5-B0FC-394010B3485D; 1-Docosanol;docosan-1-ol;BEHENYL ALCOHOL;1-Docosanol, aluminum salt; 1-Docosanol; docosan-1-ol; Behenic alcohol; Docosyl alcohol; Docosanol-(1); n-Eicosanol; Behenyl Alcodol (Lanette 22); Unette 22; 1-Docosanol; Behenyl alcohol; Synonym:ALCOHOL C22; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; DOCOSANOL; DOCOSANOL, N-; JARCOL 22; N-DOCOSANOL; Behenic alcohol; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; JARCOL 22; DOCOSANOL; Emery 3304; ALCOHOL C22; N-DOCOSANOL; 1-DOCOSANOL; N-DOCOSANOL; 1-Docosanol; 4-01-00-01906 (Beilstein Handbook Reference); Abreva; AI3-36489; Behenic alcohol; Behenyl alcohol; BRN 1770470; CCRIS 8943; Docosanol; Docosyl alcohol; EC 211-546-6; EINECS 211-546-6; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; Docosan-1-ol; Docosanol (Abreua); DOCOSANOL; behenyl alcohol; ik2; docosanyl alcohol; 1-Docosanol; JARCOL 22; behenic alcohol; behenyl 80 alcohol; behenyl alcohol; docosan-1-ol; 1-docosanol; N-docosanol; docosyl alcohol; jarcol 2280H; kalcol 220-80; lanette 22; lidakol; lidavol; nacol 22-97; nikkol behenyl alcohol 65; nikkol behenyl alcohol 80; stenol 1822; stenol 1822 80; stenol 1822 SR; tadenan; BEHENYL ALCOHOL; behenyl alcohol; ALCOOL BÉHÉNYLIQUE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATIONS

Fatty alcohols, derived from natural fats and oils, are high molecular straight chain primary alcohols. They include lauryl (C12), MyrIstyl (C14), Cetyl ( or palmityl: C16), stearyl (C18), Oleyl (C18, unsaturated), and Linoleyl (C18, polyunsaturated) alcohols. There are synthetic fatty alcohols equivalent physically and chemically to natural alcohols obtained from oleochemical sources such as coconut and palm kernel oil. Fatty alcohols are emulsifiers and emollients to make skin smoother and prevent moisture loss. Identical fatty esters are used to improve rub-out of formulas and to control viscosity and dispersion characteristics in cosmetics, personal care products and pharmaceutical ingredients. As chemical intermediates, the primary use of fatty alcohols are as raw material for the production of fatty sulfate salts and alcohol ethoxylates for foaming and cleaning purposes in the field of detergent industry. Chemical reactions of primary alcohols include esterifications, ethoxylation, sulfation, oxidation and many other reactions. Their derivatives and end use applications include;

Nonionic surfactants (Ethoxylates and propoxylates)

Anionic surfactants (Alkyl sulfates and alkyl ethoxy sulfates)

Chemical intermediates and  polymerization modifiers (Alkyl halides, Alkyl mercaptans)

Quaternary ammonium compounds for detergent sanitisers, softner for textiles, phase transfer catalyst and biocides

Antioxidants for plastics (Alkyl thiopropionates and alkyl phosphites)

Lubricant additives (Metallic and thio alkylphosphates)

Flavor and Fragrance (Aldehydes and ketones)

PVC plasticizers (Dialkyl Phthalates, adipates and trimellitates)

Coatings and inks (acrylate and methacrylate esters)

Water treatment (acrylate and methacrylate esters)

Large amount of fatty alcohols are used as special solvents, fillers in plasticizer and insulating materials for the building industry. Fatty alcohols are used as ingredients in the industries of agricultural, foodstuff, metal processing, cosmetics, lube additive, pharmaceutical, rubber, textile, perfume and flavouring as well as synthetic detergent.

In pharmaceutical application, behenyl alcohol (a saturated 22-carbon alcohol) exhibits antiviral activity against lipid-enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Behenyl alcohol is used as an ingredient in the cream for topical treatment of recurrent herpes. It acts by inhibiting fusion between the human plasma cell membrane and the viral envelope.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF FATTY ACID

Fatty Acids are aliphatic carboxylic acid with varying hydrocarbon lengths at one end of the chain joined to terminal carboxyl (-COOH) group at the other end. The general formula is R-(CH2)n-COOH. Fatty acids are predominantly unbranched and those with even numbers of carbon atoms between 12 and 22 carbons long react with glycerol to form lipids (fat-soluble components of living cells) in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Fatty acids all have common names respectively lilk lauric (C12), MyrIstic (C14), palmitic (C16), stearic (C18), oleic (C18, unsaturated), and linoleic (C18, polyunsaturated) acids. The saturated fatty acids have no solid bonds, while oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid has one solid bond (also described as olefinic) and polyunsaturated fatty acids like linolenic acid contain two or more solid bonds. Lauric acid (also called Dodecanoic acid) is the main acid in coconut oil (45 - 50 percent) and palm kernel oil (45 - 55 percent). Nutmeg butter is rich in myristic acid (also called Tetradecanoic acid ) which constitutes 60-75 percent of the fatty-acid content. Palmitic acid(also called Hexadecylic acid ) constitutes between 20 and 30 percent of most animal fats and is also an important constituent of most vegetable fats (35 - 45 percent of palm oil). Stearic acid ( also called Octadecanoic Acid)  is nature's most common long-chain fatty acids, derived from animal and vegetable fats. It is widely used as a lubricant and as an additive in industrial preparations. It is used in the manufacture of metallic stearates, pharmaceuticals, soaps, cosmetics, and food packaging. It is also used as a softener, accelerator activator and dispersing agent in rubbers. Oleic acid (systematic chemical name is cis-octadec-9-enoic acid) is the most abundant of the unsaturated fatty acids in nature.

BEHENYL ALCOHOL

Behenyl alcohol
Behenyl alcohol
Skeletal formula of Behenyl alcohol
Spacefill model of Behenyl alcohol
Names
Systematic IUPAC name
Docosan-1-ol
Other names
Behenic alcohol
Behenyl alcohol
Cachalot BE-22
1-Behenyl alcohol
n-Behenyl alcohol
MeSH    Behenyl alcohol
Infobox references
1-Docosanol, also known as behenyl alcohol, is a saturated fatty alcohol used traditionally as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetics, and nutritional supplement (as an individual entity and also as a constituent of policosanol).
More recently, Behenyl alcohol has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a pharmaceutical antiviral agent for reducing the duration of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in the OTC medication Abreva.
One of the most common side effects that has been reported from Behenyl alcohol is headache. Headaches caused by the drug tend to be mild and can occur in any region of the head.The intensity of the pain can, in some cases, interfere with the ability of remaining focused when working or when at school.
Skin irritation may also occur at the site of application. Usually, skin irritation is mild to moderate and does not need any further treatment. It may also diminish after prolonged use of Behenyl alcohol.
Contraindications
Mechanism of action
Behenyl alcohol is thought to act by inhibiting the fusion of the human host cell with the viral envelope of the herpes virus, thus preventing its replication. This mechanism has not been demonstrated empirically.
Two experiments with n-Behenyl alcohol cream failed to show statistically significant differences by any parameter between n-Behenyl alcohol cream and vehicle control–treated sites or between n-Behenyl alcohol and untreated infection sites.
Overview(active tab)
Safety
Resources
What Is It?
Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol and Behenyl Alcohol are white, waxy solids. Isostearyl Alcohol is a clear liquid. Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol are the two major components of Cetearyl Alcohol. These ingredients are all fatty alcohols and that are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in skin lotions and creams.
Scientific Facts: 
Cetearyl, Cetyl, Myristyl and Behenyl Alcohols are straight-chain alcohols. Isostearyl Alcohol is a branched chain alcohol. Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of mostly of Cetyl and Stearyl Alcohols, which are fatty alcohols that occur naturally in small quantities in plants and animals.
Myristyl Alcohol is a 14 carbon chain. Cetyl Alcohol has 16 carbons, while Stearyl and Isostearyl Alcohols have 18 carbons. Behenyl Alcohol is the largest fatty alcohol in this group with 22 carbons.
Behenyl Alcohol
Behenyl alcohol functions as an opacifying ingredient, thickener, emollient, and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products.
Origin
Behenyl alcohol, also known as docosanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol with 22 carbons. Fatty alcohols are high molecular weight, straight chain primary alcohols derived from natural fats and oils. Behenyl alcohol is derived from vegetable sources (i.e. corn), but it can also be synthetically produced.
Behenyl alcohol is primarily used in face/body lotions and creams, but can also be found in deodorant, lipstick, foundation, and hair care products. In addition to use in the cosmetic industry, behenyl alcohol is available as a nutritional supplement and a pharmaceutical antiviral agent. In the OTC cold sore medication Abreva, docosanol has been shown to reduce the duration of cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus.
Functions
In cosmetic and skin care formulations, behenyl alcohol functions as an opacifying ingredient, thickener, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an opacifying agent and a thickener, behenyl alcohol can be added to clear or transparent cosmetic formulations to render them more resistant to visible light. Its thickening property allows products to achieve a more desirable, spreadable texture. Thus, manufacturers will add behenyl alcohol to formulations to create a thick, smooth, and creamy product.
Behenyl alcohol is used as an emollient in cosmetic formulations because of its ability to soften and soothe the skin. After topical application, behenyl alcohol forms a protective layer on the skin that helps to prevent moisture loss. Plus, behenyl alcohol does not leave a greasy feel after application like other emollients can.
Similarly, behenyl alcohol functions as an emollient in hair care products, working to increase the hair’s moisture content and improve manageability. Behenyl alcohol can also provide slip to hair conditioners which allows you to detangle your hair better.
Another function of behenyl alcohol is as an emulsifier, which is necessary for products that contain both water and oil components. When water and oil are mixed together and vigorously shaken, a dispersion of oil droplets in water – and vice versa – is formed. When shaking stops, however, the two phases start to separate. An emulsifier like behenyl alcohol can be added to the system to help the droplets remain dispersed. This improves the consistency of a product, which enables an even distribution of topical skin care benefits.
As an emulsifier, behenyl alcohol consists of a water-loving hydrophilic head and an oil-loving hydrophobic tail. The hydrophilic head is directed to the aqueous phase and the hydrophobic tail to the oil phase. Behenyl alcohol reduces the surface tension by positioning itself at the oil/water or air/water interface, which has a stabilizing effect on the emulsion.
Safety
The safety of behenyl alcohol has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that behenyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
In 2005, the Panel considered available new data on behenyl alcohol and the other fatty alcohols and reaffirmed the above conclusion. The toxicological data for the five long-chain aliphatic alcohols included in the report (behenyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol) revealed no significant toxicity. Cosmetic formulations containing these fatty alcohols were not dermal irritants or sensitizers.
According to EWG, behenyl alcohol is rated as a 1 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest risk to health and 10 being the highest.
Due to its name, behenyl alcohol is often misunderstood to be bad for the skin since it is an alcohol. But it turns out that not all alcohols are created equal. It is true that some alcohols, like ethyl or rubbing alcohol, can be extremely drying to the skin. However, quite the opposite is true for behenyl alcohol, which is well known to effectively condition and soften the skin and hair.
Behenyl Alcohol
Behenyl Alcohol is a natural, vegetable source long chain fatty alcohol used to regulate viscosity in formulations. It functions as a thickener and stabilizer and may be used as a co-emulsifier. It may be used in anhydrous formulations such as ointments, body butters and scrubs.
INCI: Behenyl Alcohol
BEHENYL ALCOHOL
BEHENYL ALCOHOL
CAS number: 661-19-8 - Behenyl Alcohol
 "Good" in all categories.
Origin(s): Vegetal, Synthetic
Other languages: Alcohol behenílico, Alcol Behenyl, Alcool béhénylique, Behenylalkohol
INCI name: BEHENYL ALCOHOL
Chemical name: Docosan-1-ol
EINECS/ELINCS number: 211-546-6
Classification: Fatty alcohol
Bio-compatible (COSMOS Reference)
NamelyBehenyl alcohol or Docosanol is a fatty alcohol. It is used in cosmetics as an emulsifier to keep oily parts well mixed with other liquids. It is also used as a thickener, to increase the foaming capacity of a product or to improve the stability of a foam. It makes the skin soft and its touch remains non-greasy after application. It is authorized in organic.
Behenyl Alcohol | [be-he-nil, al-kə-ˌhol] |
CATEGORIES: EMOLLIENTS, THICKENERS, EMULSIONS
Behenyl Alcohol Skincare Benefits:
Product Stabilizer

Behenyl alcohol, also known as docosanol, is a large fatty straight-chain alcohol. In cosmetic and skin care formulations, it is used as an opacifying ingredient, thickener, and emulsifier. As an opacifying agent, behenyl alcohol is used to reduce the clear or transparent appearance of cosmetic products. Its thickening property allows products to achieve a more desirable, spreadable texture. Behenyl alcohol also works as an emulsifier to prevent the oil and water phases of a product from separating. This works to improve the consistency of a product, which enables an even distribution of topical skincare benefits.
Behenyl alcohol Is in So Many Skincare Products—So What Is It?

What Is Behenyl alcohol?
Benefits of Behenyl alcohol for Skin
Side Effects of Behenyl alcohol
How to Use It
The Best Products With Behenyl alcohol
The easiest way to get a debate going in the beauty community is by bringing up the topic of preservatives—and parabens are at the forefront of that discussion. Some believe them to be toxic endocrine disruptors, while others say not enough research exists to support those claims. In an attempt to avoid the issue completely, many beauty companies are reformulating without the use of parabens in favor of alternative ingredients. And in the wake of those changes, consumers are left to wonder about the safety of the other ingredients being used instead, like Behenyl alcohol, and whether or not preservatives are all that important in the first place. 
But because some might still be on the fence about using preservatives, we turned to Krant as well as Michelle Wong, chemistry PhD, and content creator at Lab Muffin Beauty Science for their expert opinions on one of the more common paraben alternatives. Here's what these experts have to say about the specific ingredient Behenyl alcohol and whether or not you're safe to use it in your skincare.
Behenyl alcohol
WHO SHOULD USE IT:In general, Behenyl alcohol is safe to use by anyone who does not have a true contact allergy to it. Krant adds that those who prefer un-preserved products would want to avoid products containing standard preservatives like Behenyl alcohol, though it may risk contamination.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT:Behenyl alcohol is safe to use on a daily basis if you're not sensitive to it and if it's used at a low concentration.
WORKS WELL WITH:Behenyl alcohol works well with most, if not all, other ingredients.
DON'T USE WITH:Behenyl alcohol works well with most, if not all, other ingredients.
What Is Behenyl alcohol?
Although it's most widely known as Behenyl alcohol, the aromatic alcohol also goes by a few other names, such as benzenemethanol or phenylcarbinol. It's derived from fruit, comes in the form of a colorless liquid, and has a slightly sweet scent. As a multifunctional ingredient, you can spot Behenyl alcohol on the ingredient label of many different skincare, cosmetic, and personal products, such as moisturizers, lip balms, face washes, and even makeup. According to Wong, it's primarily used in product formulation as a preservative to stop microorganisms from overgrowing in products, which could later lead to an infection. 
Benefits of Behenyl alcohol for Skin
Besides having antioxidant effects in certain formulas, Behenyl alcohol doesn't have any specific benefits for your skin itself, but rather helps to optimize skincare formulas so that they can better perform for your skin. Here are a few key ways Behenyl alcohol helps your products work more effectively:
Preserves the product: According to Krant, Behenyl alcohol acts as a preservative in skincare and cosmetic products due to its ability to kill microbes—especially parasites. "Any cosmetic or personal care product that is made with no preservatives (for example, preservative-free eye drops) generally comes in individual single-use containers to prevent contamination by contact or air," she says. Behenyl alcohol allows products to be bottled in larger packages designed for more than one use.
Has antioxidant activity: Krant says Behenyl alcohol also has antioxidant properties, and antioxidants protect against free-radical damage.
Dissolves ingredients: Behenyl alcohol is also shown to function as a solvent and helps to dissolve other ingredients in a product's formula.
Decreases viscosity: Studies show Behenyl alcohol also improves viscosity, which allows products to flow more easily.
Imparts a nice scent: As an aromatic alcohol, Behenyl alcohol is naturally fragrant and gives off a slightly sweet scent.
Side Effects of Behenyl alcohol
"Behenyl alcohol is considered to be a safe ingredient in skincare and cosmetics when used on intact skin," Krant says. With that said, you might have seen Behenyl alcohol on a list of "bad" alcohols once or twice before.
Can cause itching for some people: "As is the case for most preservatives, Behenyl alcohol can, unfortunately, be an irritant and cause itching for some people," says Krant.
Toxicity is possible with overuse: "Toxicity is a possibility with excessive ingestion, which is not considered a risk with normal usage," says Wong, adding that it's safe when used at a low concentration—and it usually is in well-formulated products.
However, Krant points out that only in rare cases is someone actually allergic to Behenyl alcohol. If you experience an adverse reaction (such as swelling, or redness) to products containing Behenyl alcohol and suspect you could have an allergy to it.
How to Use It
As long as you don't have an allergy to Behenyl alcohol, Krant and Wong say it's totally fine to use in your regular skincare routine. Because the ingredient is included in such a wide range of cosmetics, the time of day you would apply it, as well as the step in your routine, depends on each specific product.
It seems as though "wrinkle creams" is synonymous with "expensive creams," but it doesn't have to be that way. Enter: This iconic face cream from Olay. Packed with the same ingredients you'd find in a prestige cream, like vitamin B3, amino-peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, this formula noticeably softens, plumps, and firms (it even made Byrdie's list of best wrinkle creams). And with an open tub packaging like this, you'll be thankful for the Behenyl alcohol in the formula that keeps your fingers or air from contaminating your little pot of gold.
Of all the pH-adjusting lip products, this Byrdie favorite is the crème de la crème. Somewhere between a lip balm and a lipstick, this lip glow imparts the perfect natural tint with all the comfort of a lip treatment. As we mentioned before, preservatives play a big part in killing parasites and microbes. Since you won't want to stop applying this product directly to your lips all day long, the importance of Behenyl alcohol in keeping it free of contamination is beyond clear.
Dermatologists and beauty editors alike are fans of this drugstore brand for the impressive quality at an even more impressive price. This moisturizer, in particular, has us singing its praises for its lightweight, non-greasy feel, despite the fact that it also contains sunscreen. Props to Behenyl alcohol for its easy product flow and for keeping it free of contamination.
The Byrdie eds fell in love with this tinted moisturizer for its light creamy texture, self-adjusting tint, and sun protection and if you're in the medium skin-tone range, you'll soon be obsessed with it, too. Thanks to the preservative and stabilizing properties of the Behenyl alcohol included in the formula, you'll get to savor every last bit of the larger-than-life jar (a whopping 2 fluid ounces). Now if only it came in more than one shade…
Whether you're an overexuberant hand-washer or just gearing up for a long winter ahead, this hand cream is one you'll want to (forgive us) keep on hand. Byrdie loves this product for its main ingredient, lanolin, which softens and hydrates even the driest hands, cracked knuckles, and compromised cuticles—but don't sleep on its other important ingredients, like Behenyl alcohol, shea butter, and cetearyl alcohol.
Yep, even makeup foundations contain Behenyl alcohol, and you'll be grateful for those antimicrobial properties as you smear it all of over your face. This foundation, in particular, is a Byrdie-approved must-try for its incredible coverage, impressive shade range, and airbrush finish. Did we mention it has 370k loves on Sephora?
Behenyl alcohol, is a commonly used ingredient in the cosmetic industry. It’s mainly used in fragrances for its ability to blend and disperse the scent and evaporates quickly once it contacts the skin.
Behenyl alcohol also has preserving qualities and is used in particular in natural and organic skincare formulations, where you might expect to find a higher concentration up to 10%. It can be derived synthetically or naturally, through the fermentation of sugar- whereby it is obtained by chemical reaction of starch in the presence of yeast, at the temperature below 37 ° C. Behenyl alcohol is commonly found in men’s grooming products where the evaporation from the skin’s surface creates a pleasant sensation of freshness and relief.
No matter the origin of it and its dosage, Behenyl alcohol can be an irritant and can dry the skin. How do we spot it in the ingredient list? Usually it appears as “Behenyl alcohol” but we might see it as “Behenyl alcohol denat”, “ethanol” and “ethyl Behenyl alcohol”.
Notably there are other natural ingredients that contain the word “Behenyl alcohol” but despite their name are a completely different substance with distinct set of properties.
Here are some of the the different guises you will see Behenyl alcohol appear:
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol: can be a solvent, preservative or fragrance ingredient. It is found in different essential oils.
Cetearyl Behenyl alcohol: gives consistency to emulsions and is derived from palm kernel and/or coconut oil
Behenyl Behenyl alcohol: gives consistency to emulsions and comes from rapeseed oil.
Myristyl Behenyl alcohol: gives consistency to emulsions and comes from palm kernel and/or coconut oil
Cetostearyl Behenyl alcohol: a synthetic emulsifier. You might read it in traditional barrier creams under the name: cetomacrogol 1000
Cetylstearyl Behenyl alcohol: is a synthetic emulsifier. You might read it in traditional barrier creams under the name: cetomacrogol emulsifying wax
Cetyl Behenyl alcohol: gives consistency to emulsions and comes from palm kernel and/or coconut oil
Stearyl Behenyl alcohol: gives consistency to emulsions (thickener)and comes from palm kernel and/or coconut oil
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol
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Benzyl Behenyl alcohol
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol
Infobox references
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is an aromatic Behenyl alcohol with the formula C6H5CH2OH. The benzyl group is often abbreviated "Bn" (not to be confused with "Bz" which is used for benzoyl), thus benzyl Behenyl alcohol is denoted as BnOH. Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odor. It is a useful solvent due to its polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure. Benzyl Behenyl alcohol has moderate solubility in water (4 g/100 mL) and is miscible in Behenyl alcohols and diethyl ether. The anion produced by deprotonation of the Behenyl alcohol group is known as benzylate or benzyloxide.
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is produced naturally by many plants and is commonly found in fruits and teas. It is also found in a variety of essential oils including jasmine, hyacinth and ylang-ylang.It is also found in castoreum from the castor sacs of beavers.
Preparation
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is produced industrially from toluene via benzyl chloride, which is hydrolyzed:
For laboratory use, Grignard reaction of phenylmagnesium bromide (C6H5MgBr) with formaldehyde and the Cannizzaro reaction of benzaldehyde also give benzyl Behenyl alcohol. The latter also gives benzoic acid, an example of an organic disproportionation reaction.
Reactions
Like most Behenyl alcohols, it reacts with carboxylic acids to form esters. In organic synthesis, benzyl esters are popular protecting groups because they can be removed by mild hydrogenolysis.
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol reacts with acrylonitrile to give N-benzylacrylamide. This is an example of a Ritter reaction:
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is used as a general solvent for inks, waxes, shellacs, paints, lacquers, and epoxy resin coatings. Thus it can be used in paint strippers, especially when combined with compatible viscosity enhancers to encourage the mixture to cling to painted surfaces.
Use in health care
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is used as a bacteriostatic preservative at low concentration in intravenous medications, cosmetics, and topical drugs. Some caution is necessary if a high percent of Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is used as benzaldehyde arises from benzyl Behenyl alcohol when used as preservative in an injectable formulation solution. 
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol, sold under the brand name Ulesfia, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009, as a 5% solution for the treatment of head lice in people 6 months of age and older.It affects the louse's spiracles, preventing them from closing.These then become clogged with water or mineral oil or other matter and cause the insect to die from asphyxiation.
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is used effectively for treating lice infestations as the active ingredient in lotion shampoo with 5% benzyl Behenyl alcohol.
Other uses
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol has nearly the same refraction index as quartz and wool fiber. If a clear quartz object is immersed in benzyl Behenyl alcohol, it becomes almost invisible. This test has been used to determine non-destructively whether an object is truly made of quartz.Similarly, white wool immersed in benzyl Behenyl alcohol also becomes almost invisible, clearly revealing contaminants such as dark and medullated fibers and vegetable matter.
Contact dermatitis
Illustration of allergic contact dermatitis
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is an ingredient used in the manufacture of soaps, topical creams, skin lotions, shampoos, and facial cleansers and is popular due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is a common ingredient in a variety of household products and can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis in a significant percentage of the population.
Safety
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol has low acute toxicity with an LD50 of 1.2 g/kg in rats.It oxidizes rapidly in healthy individuals to benzoic acid, conjugated with glycine in the liver, and excreted as hippuric acid. Very high concentrations can result in toxic effects including respiratory failure, vasodilation, hypotension, convulsions, and paralysis.
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is toxic to neonates and is associated with the gasping syndrome.
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is severely toxic and highly irritating to the eye.Pure benzyl Behenyl alcohol produces corneal necrosis.
Benzyl Behenyl alcohol is not considered to be a carcinogen, and no data are available regarding teratogenic or reproductive effects.

This substance is used in the following products: biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products), anti-freeze products, coating products, finger paints, lubricants and greases, polishes and waxes, cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay. Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).

Regulatory process names

Docosan-1-ol

Docosan-1-ol

docosan-1-ol

CAS names

1-Docosanol

IUPAC names

1-DOCOSANOL

1-Docosanol

Behenyl alcohol

Behenyl Alcohol

Docosan-1-ol

docosan-1-ol

Docosan-1-ol

docosan-1-ol

Trade names

Nacol 22

Nafol 1822

Nafol 2024

Tenac®-C EF450