Beheneth-5

AKA: Beheneth-3, 297176-96-6, PEG-3 behenyl ether, Triethylene glycol behenyl ether, Ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from fatty alcohols, typically produced from coconut or palm oil hydrogenation. Synthesized through ethoxylation, adding five ethylene oxide units to behenyl alcohol molecules.
Docosanol, ethoxylated, 5 mol EO (average molar ratio)
Formula
C28H58O4
Mol. Weight
458.80
CAS #
26636-40-8
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2012
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR