Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Behenic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid commonly found in oils such as Moringa oil and peanut oil. In skin care, its primary role is as an emollient and conditioning agent in creams, lotions, and hair products. Scientific evidence for its use in general skin care primarily relates to its physical properties rather than any unique bioactivity. Behenic acid helps to soften and smooth the skin by forming a barrier that reduces moisture loss (transepidermal water loss), thus supporting hydration. Its high molecular weight and waxy texture make it useful for improving the texture and spreadability of cosmetic formulations.

However, there is limited evidence of any specific therapeutic benefit of behenic acid on skin beyond its emollient effects. Most of the support derives from ingredient functionality studies and product performance, rather than direct clinical trials on skin health outcomes. There is no significant traditional use of behenic acid as a standalone treatment for skin conditions. Overall, while its use in skin care is justified by its proven functional properties as an emollient and texture enhancer, robust evidence for direct therapeutic effects on skin health is limited. Thus, the scientific support is moderate, driven mainly by its physical rather than biological effects.

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Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

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alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
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apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
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astaxanthin
avocado
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beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
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bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
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bottle gourd
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butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
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castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
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Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
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glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
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goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
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Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
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L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
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Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
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omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
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palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
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procyanidin
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vegetable oil
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vitamin C
vitamin E
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Other health conditions supported by behenic acid

Skin Care (general)

Products containing behenic acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.