Glyceryl Behenate is a monoester of glycin with behenic acid (C22). It is a high-molecular-weight solid ester that melts at about 70°C, and its properties are similar to those of Behenyl Behenate. It is an off-white to yellow coarse powder insoluble in water, ethanol, and propylene glycol. It is miscible in warm mineral and natural oils.
When added to the oil phase of an emulsion, Glyceryl Behenate enhances richness, body, and viscosity and, probably most importantly, tends to stabilize the emulsion. It adds emolliency to any formulation and can be a melting point modifier.
Glyceryl Behenate is formulator-friendly, possessing good solubility in warm oils, silicones, and esters. Additionally, it, having a long hydrophobic tail on one end of the molecule and hydroxyl groups at the other end, can function as an ethylene oxide-free, low HLB emulsifier.
Glyceryl Behenate's properties enable its use in lipsticks, decorative cosmetics, creams, and lotions. It is a safe ingredient that is non-irritating to skin and eyes. Depending on the application, its use levels range from 2 to 10%.