Ingredient review
Beheneth-30
INCI: BEHENETH-30
Beheneth-30 is a mild, low-irritation emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
In plain English
Beheneth-30 is a gentle ingredient that helps oil and water blend together in your skincare products. It's a type of surfactant, which means it can also help lift dirt and oil from your skin so they rinse away easily. Because it's derived from a fatty alcohol, it's much milder than many other cleansing agents and is less likely to strip your skin of its natural moisture.
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Beheneth-30 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Beheneth-30.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Beheneth-30 is a semi-synthetic compound created by adding ethylene oxide to behenyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol derived from rapeseed or other plant oils. It belongs to a family of ingredients called ethoxylated alcohols, which are widely used as mild surfactants and emulsifiers.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Beheneth-30 works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable mixture (emulsion). As a surfactant, it also helps surround and lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin's surface so they can be rinsed away with water. Its long fatty chain makes it especially gentle, so it cleans without over-drying.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Beheneth-30 is much milder than traditional sulfates like SLS, making it suitable for sensitive or dry skin types that need a non-stripping cleanser.
Versatile emulsifier
It helps create smooth, stable creams and lotions, improving the texture and feel of your products without causing irritation.
Cons and cautions
Ethoxylation concerns
The manufacturing process involves ethoxylation, which can produce trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a potential contaminant) if not properly refined. Reputable brands ensure purification.
Sustainability of source
Behenyl alcohol is often derived from palm or rapeseed oil. If not sustainably sourced, it may contribute to deforestation or environmental concerns.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers mild, non-stripping surfactants in their daily routine
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid any ethoxylated ingredients due to personal preference
Usage tips
Safety summary
Beheneth-30 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing, which is regulated and minimized by reputable suppliers.
Research notes
Research on Beheneth-30 specifically is limited, but the broader class of ethoxylated alcohols has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel, which found them safe for use in cosmetics when formulated properly. Studies confirm low skin irritation and sensitization potential.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no concentration restrictions, though good manufacturing practices are recommended to minimize 1,4-dioxane.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Body washes, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- Beheneth-30 is biodegradable, but its environmental impact depends on the sourcing of the fatty alcohol. Look for brands that use sustainably sourced palm or rapeseed oil.
Good to know
- Beheneth-30 is part of a larger family of 'beheneth' ingredients (e.g., Beheneth-5, Beheneth-10), where the number indicates the average length of the polyethylene glycol chain.
- It is often used in 'sulfate-free' cleansers as a milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate.
Common questions
What is Beheneth-30 in beauty products?
Beheneth-30 is a gentle ingredient that helps oil and water blend together in your skincare products. It's a type of surfactant, which means it can also help lift dirt and oil from your skin so they rinse away easily. Because it's derived from a fatty alcohol, it's much milder than many other cleansing agents and is less likely to strip your skin of its natural moisture.
What does Beheneth-30 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Beheneth-30 works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable mixture (emulsion). As a surfactant, it also helps surround and lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin's surface so they can be rinsed away with water. Its long fatty chain makes it especially gentle, so it cleans without over-drying.
Is Beheneth-30 safe for most people?
Beheneth-30 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane contamination during manufacturing, which is regulated and minimized by reputable suppliers.
Who should be careful with Beheneth-30?
Those who strictly avoid any ethoxylated ingredients due to personal preference
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.