Beheneth-10
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Beheneth-3, 297176-96-6, PEG-3 behenyl ether, Triethylene glycol behenyl ether, Ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Docosanol, ethoxylated, 10 mol EO (average molar ratio)
Effective at 2.5%
Formula
C28H58O4
Mol. Weight
458.80
CAS #
26636-40-8
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic non-ionic surfactant developed in the 20th century. Created as an emulsifier and solubilizer for cosmetic formulations, replacing natural plant-derived alternatives.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0008%
5.0%
0%7%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.0008-5 | 0.003-0.6 | 0.03-3 | 0.02-0.3 | 0.5-5
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR