Stearyl Behenate

AKA: Octadecyl docosanoate, 24271-12-3, Docosanoic acid, Octadecyl ester, Behenic acid stearyl ester, Octadecanyl docosanoate, WE(18:0/22:0)
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl esters, listed subsequently, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Formula
C40H80O2
Mol. Weight
593.10
CAS #
24271-12-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Synthesized as an ester combining stearyl alcohol and behenic acid in contemporary cosmetic chemistry. Developed to provide conditioning and emollient benefits in skincare and makeup products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR