Behenic Acid
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Docosanoic acid, 112-85-6, N-DOCOSANOIC ACID, 1-Docosanoic acid, Hydrofol Acid 560, Hydrofol 2022-55, Glycon B-70, Docosoic acid, Hystrene 5522
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Acid
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use andconcentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be basedon a QRA...Behenic Acid...
Solubility 0.102 g are sol in 100 g of 90% ethanol at 17 °C;0.218 g are sol in 100 ml of 91.5% ethanol at 25 °C; 0.116 g are sol in 100 ml of 86.2% ethanol at 25 °C; 0.011 g are sol in 100 ml of 63.07% ethanol at 25 °C; 0.1922 g are sol in 100 g of ether at 16 °C
Formula
C22H44O2
Mol. Weight
340.60
CAS #
112-85-6
Form
Liquid
State
Pellets or Large Crystals; Other Solid; Liquid, Other Solid; Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Opacifying
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Strengthens Barrier
Moisturizing
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Creates creamy opacity
Traditional Use
A saturated fatty acid derived from seeds of the moringa tree and mustard plants, used historically in traditional Indian and African beauty preparations for skin conditioning and as a base for creams and salves.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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