murphyStearyl 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
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the primary starting materials. Synthesized through hydrogenation and esterification of behenic acid with stearyl alcohol.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 564)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR