Cetyl Behenate
AKA “Hexadecyl docosanoate, Palmityl behenate, Docosanoic acid, hexadecyl ester, hexadecanyl docosanoate, WE(16:0/22:0)”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Cetyl behenate
AKA: Hexadecyl docosanoate, Palmityl behenate, Docosanoic acid, Hexadecyl ester, Hexadecanyl docosanoate, WE(16:0/22:0)
Ingredient · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Cetyl Behenate
Formula
C38H76O2
Mol. Weight
565.0
CAS #
42233-11-4
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Boosts Collagen
Traditional Use
Developed in the 20th century as a synthetic wax ester derived from cetyl alcohol and behenic acid. Used in modern cosmetics as a thickening and conditioning agent with no traditional historical use.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR