Sodium Behenate

AKA: Sodium docosanoate, 5331-77-1, Docosanoic acid, Sodium salt, Behenic acid
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
OriginDerived from behenic acid, a long-chain fatty acid obtained from plant oils like rapeseed and palm. Synthesized through saponification of behenic acid with sodium hydroxide to form the salt compound.
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...Sodium Behenate...
Formula
C22H43NaO2
Mol. Weight
362.60
CAS #
5331-77-1
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2016 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR