Glyceryl Behenate

Glyceryl behenate is a waxy lipid ester used primarily as an emollient, thickener, and texture agent, typically at low-to-moderate concentrations in creams and balms, and it is generally well-tolerated with low irritancy in patch testing. It is not a pH-dependent active and lacks inherent exfoliating or sensitizing activity, so routine-use irritation risk is minimal even in reactive skin. Rare intolerance can occur in highly compromised barriers, but clinically it aligns best with a very gentle, low-risk profile. Safety Notes: Glyceryl behenate is used at low levels (~0.1–1%) in leave-on lotions/serums and some rinse-off cleansers as a co-emulsifier, opacifier, and viscosity/texture modifier. In richer creams, body butters, balms, sticks, and anhydrous makeup/skincare (where it functions as a structuring wax and consistency agent), commercial OTC products commonly reach ~3–10%, with high-structure consumer sticks/balms observed up to ~15%. No specific FDA/EU cosmetic concentration cap is set for this ingredient; the upper end is mainly limited by sensorial/structuring needs and compatibility with the oil phase.