Behenyl Olivate
AKA “Docosyl olivate, Behenyl olive oil ester
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Behenyl olivate
AKA: Docosyl olivate, Behenyl olive oil ester
Synthetic · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
Behenyl Olivate is the ester of behenyl alcohol and Olive Acid Science: Functions: Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Effective at 2.7%
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A modern ester derived from behenic acid (found in plant oils like rapeseed) and olive oil. Developed as a conditioning and emollient agent in 20th-century cosmetics to provide slip and softness to skincare and haircare formulations.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.4%
5.0%
0%7%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.4-5
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR