Behenic acid

Behenic acid ( is poorly absorbed; the absorption rate of palmitic acid is 95–98% and that of behenic acid is 30%. Empirical Formula of behenic acid is C22H44O2.

Behenic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid that exists naturally as a triglyceride in canola, peanut, and marine animal oils as well as animal milk fats and peanut skins.

It is one of the saturated long-chain fatty acids of sunflower oil. Although this acid is poorly absorbed by animals or humans, it has been shown to act as a cholesterol-raising agent in humans.

Behenic acid is soluble in the organic solvent dimethyl formamide (DMF), which should be purged with an inert gas, at a concentration of approximately 3 mg/ml. Behenic acid is sparingly soluble in aqueous buffers. For maximum solubility in aqueous buffers, behenic acid should first be dissolved in DMF and then diluted with the aqueous buffer of choice.

This acid is used as an alternative to stearic acid for improved skin feel, greater stability and better active delivery. Applications include sticks, emulsions, sun care, antiperspirants and pomades. Formulators can use this in all personal care formulations for emulsifying, thickening, and gelling.
Behenic acid