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Glyceryl Behenate

What Glyceryl Behenate is & what it does

A waxy ester of glycerin and behenic acid, a long-chain fatty acid, used to thicken and stabilize creams. In a sunscreen it adds body and helps hold the emulsion together, giving a smooth, structured texture. It also conditions the skin surface with a light, non-greasy emollient feel.

What is Glyceryl Behenate and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a waxy emulsifier and thickener made from glycerin and behenic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. In a sunscreen it adds body to the formula and helps keep the oil and water phases blended into a stable cream, so the UV filters stay evenly spread. It also conditions the skin surface with a smooth, light emollient feel.

Is Glyceryl Behenate safe?

Yes, for general cosmetic use. It is a simple fatty ester of glycerin and a vegetable-derived fatty acid, both common and well-tolerated in skincare, and it is used at modest levels. It is non-irritating for most people.

Does Glyceryl Behenate clog pores?

Generally no. We carry no comedogenic flag for it, so it is treated as generally low risk for clogging pores. It functions mainly as a structuring wax and emulsifier rather than a heavy occlusive oil, so it is an unlikely cause of breakouts for most people.

Is Glyceryl Behenate fungal-acne safe?

Not entirely, if you are prone to fungal acne. It contains a fatty-acid part that the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can potentially feed on, so people managing that specific concern may choose to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless: this is one narrow skin concern, not a general safety issue.

What is Glyceryl Behenate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Glyceryl Behenate is the INCI name printed on the label. Chemically it is glycerin combined with behenic acid, a long-chain fatty acid often sourced from vegetable oils. It usually sits in the middle of the list among the other texture and emulsifying ingredients.

Sunscreens with Glyceryl Behenate

We rate 201 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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