Beheneth-20
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, 20 mol EO (average molar ratio)
Effective at 2.5%
Formula
C28H58O4
Mol. Weight
458.80
CAS #
26636-40-8
Form
Liquid
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 polyethylene glycol derivative of behenic acid created for cosmetic formulation as a gentle emulsifier and solubilizer, developed in the mid-20th century with no traditional precedent.
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