Cetyl Behenate
AKA “Hexadecyl docosanoate, Palmityl behenate, Docosanoic acid, hexadecyl ester, hexadecanyl docosanoate, WE(16:0/22:0)”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Cetyl behenate
AKA: Hexadecyl docosanoate, Palmityl behenate, Docosanoic acid, Hexadecyl ester, Hexadecanyl docosanoate, WE(16:0/22:0)
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
Cetyl Behenate Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
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.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Locks in moisture to keep skin soft and supple throughout the day
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
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR