Behenyl Alcohol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 1-DOCOSANOL, Docosanol, Docosan-1-ol, 661-19-8, Behenic alcohol, N-Docosanol, Docosyl alcohol, Lidavol, Stenol 1822
Synthetic
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Docosanol is a drug used for topical treatment for recurrent herpes simplex labialis episodes (episodes of cold sores or fever blisters). A saturated 22-carbon aliphatic alcohol, docosanol exhibits antiviral activity against many lipid enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV). Docosanol inhibits fusion between the plasma membrane and the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope, thereby preventing viral entry into cells and subsequent viral replication.
Solubility Slightly soluble in ether; very soluble in ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether; soluble in chloroform
Formula
C22H46O
Mol. Weight
326.60
CAS #
661-19-8
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals, Other Solid
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A long-chain fatty alcohol derived from behenic acid, developed as a modern texturizing and emulsion-stabilizing agent in cosmetics with no significant traditional use history.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
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.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR