Behenic acid (also docosanoic acid) is a carboxylic acid, the saturated fatty acid with formula C21H43COOH. In appearance, it consists of white to cream color crystals or powder with a melting point of 80 °C and boiling point of 306 °C.
Sources of Behenic acid
At 9%, it is a major component of Ben oil (or behen oil), which is extracted from the seeds of the Ben-oil tree (Moringa oleifera). It is so named from the Persian month Bahman, when the roots of this tree were harvested.
Behenic acid, also known as docosanoic acid, is a long-chain saturated fatty acid (C22:0) commonly found in natural oils and plant-based sources. It is primarily extracted from moringa oil (Ben oil), as well as peanut oil, rapeseed oil, and canola oil.
This fatty acid plays a vital role in cosmetics, hair care, skincare, and industrial applications due to its unique chemical structure and functional benefits.
Chemical Profile of Behenic Acid
Natural Sources of Behenic Acid
Moringa Oleifera Seeds (Ben Oil) – the richest natural source, containing up to 9% behenic acid.
Peanut Oil – contains moderate amounts.
Rapeseed and Canola Oils – small concentrations.
Other Plant Oils – found in trace amounts in various vegetable oils.
Behenic acid is also present in some other oils and oil-bearing plants, including rapeseed (canola) and peanut oil and skins. It is estimated that one ton of peanut skins contains 13 pounds (5.9 kg) of behenic acid.
Benefits of Behenic acid
1. Skin and Hair Care
Acts as a conditioning agent and emollient, leaving skin smooth and hydrated.
Provides a protective barrier against moisture loss.
Used in hair conditioners to improve manageability and softness.
2. Cosmetic Formulations
Serves as a thickener and stabilizer in lotions, creams, and balms.
Enhances texture and spreadability in personal care products.
3. Industrial Applications
Used in lubricants, detergents, and wax formulations.
Plays a role in manufacturing surfactants and specialized chemicals.
Why Behenic Acid is Important
Behenic acid is valued because of its high stability, moisturizing properties, and natural origin. In the beauty and cosmetics industry, it is especially popular for creating luxury skincare and haircare products. Additionally, in the food and industrial sectors, its fatty acid derivatives serve as useful functional ingredients.
Key Takeaway
Behenic acid is a naturally occurring long-chain saturated fatty acid, widely recognized for its conditioning, stabilizing, and protective properties. Found in moringa oil and other plant oils, it is a valuable ingredient in skincare, haircare, and industrial products.
Commercially, behenic acid is often used to give hair conditioners and moisturizers their smoothing properties. It is also used in lubricating oils, and as a solvent evaporation retarder in paint removers. Its amide is used as an anti-foaming agent in detergents, floor polishes and dripless candles. Reduction of behenic acid yields behenyl alcohol.
Pracaxi oil (from the seeds of Pentaclethra macroloba) is a natural product with one of the highest concentrations of behenic acid, and is used in hair conditioners.
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