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Behenyl alcohol

Behenyl alcohol suppliers and sourcing guide

Behenyl alcohol is a 22-carbon straight-chain fatty alcohol sold as white waxy flakes or pastilles. It is made by hydrogenating behenic acid or its esters, which come mainly from high-erucic rapeseed oil after hydrogenation, and then distilling. Cosmetic brands buy it as a thickener and stiffening agent with a higher melting point than cetyl or stearyl alcohol, used in creams, hair conditioners and sticks.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Docosanol · 1-Docosanol · Behenic alcohol · CAS 661-19-8
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of behenyl alcohol

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cosmetic grade (around 70-80% C22)

    Grades with a stated C22 content plus C20 and C18 alcohols, the common grade for personal care.

  • High-purity grade

    Material with 90% or more C22, used where a sharper melting point is needed.

  • Pharmaceutical docosanol

    Highly purified docosanol made for drug products, sold under drug-grade documentation.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity and chain distribution
GC of the alcohols, reporting C22 and other chain lengths.
Acid and saponification values
Titrations showing residual fatty acids and esters.
Hydroxyl value
Titration confirming alcohol content.
Melting range
Melting point, typically in the 65-72 °C range depending on purity.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, FCC or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store behenyl alcohol sealed in a cool, dry area away from heat. It is chemically stable. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and appearance for old stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the C22 content and melting range for each lot, since lower-purity lots melt lower and can change product texture. Rotate FIFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists behenyl alcohol (proper name 1-docosanol, CAS 661-19-8) as an approved ingredient with non-medicinal purposes including emollient, thickening agent and viscosity increasing agent.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Behenyl alcohol suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking behenyl alcohol suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell behenyl alcohol? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of behenyl alcohol can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic grade (around 70-80% C22), high-purity grade and pharmaceutical docosanol. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for behenyl alcohol include?

Expect identity and chain distribution, acid and saponification values, hydroxyl value, melting range and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should behenyl alcohol be stored?

Store behenyl alcohol sealed in a cool, dry area away from heat. It is chemically stable. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and appearance for old stock.

What is the regulatory status of behenyl alcohol?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists behenyl alcohol (proper name 1-docosanol, CAS 661-19-8) as an approved ingredient with non-medicinal purposes including emollient, thickening agent and viscosity increasing agent.

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