Stearyl Behenate

Other names: Octadecyl ester

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Stearyl Behenate, also known as Octadecyl ester, is produced synthetically at temperatures around 100°C in the presence of copper as a catalyst between octadecanol and behenic acid. The product of this reaction is Stearyl Behenate, a white to yellowish crystalline substance which has a very low solubility in water. In water it behaves as a non-aqueous substance, so it is soluble in most organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, oils, etc.

Stearyl Behenate is popularly used in the cosmetic industry, especially in facial and decorative cosmetics due to its moisturizing and protective properties. Due to its structure, acting as a surfactant, it forms a protective film on the skin surface which prevents loss of hydration. This effectively contributes to keeping the skin smooth and softened. It is also an important ingredient in hair care products. Stearyl Behenate is also used in food laboratories where it can be found in chocolate, candy, chewing gum and other products as a stabilizer or antioxidant ingredient. Another area of application for Stearyl Behenate is in the pharmaceutical industry. Here it is used as an excepient, i.e. an excipient in the manufacture of medicines. Excepients are substances that are added to a medicine in addition to the drug substance for various reasons - for example, to improve taste, manufacture tablets, liquids, etc.