Is Behenic Acid fungal acne safe?

Yes, Behenic Acid is generally considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin.

Is Behenic Acid safe for pregnancy?

Caution is advised. Behenic Acid is flagged for potential pregnancy concerns. We recommend consulting your doctor before use.

Is Behenic Acid vegan?

No, Behenic Acid is typically derived from animal sources.

Is Behenic Acid comedogenic?

No, Behenic Acid has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5 and is unlikely to clog pores.

Behenic Acid

Docosanoic Acid

Average

Warning

Pores

2/5

Irritancy

0/5

FA Safe

✅ Yes

Pregnancy

⚠️ Caution

Vegan

❌ No

Science & Benefits

Behenic Acid is a long-chain ($C_{22}$) saturated fatty acid. While it carries a comedogenic rating of 2, its high melting point and large molecular size make it less likely to penetrate the follicular ostium compared to shorter-chain acids. It provides a luxurious, matte emolliency. Its logic in an acne database is as a 'dry-emollient' for barrier repair, specifically for skin that has been thinned by chemical exfoliants or retinoids.

Safety Alerts

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Pregnancy: Some studies suggest absorption or systemic effects. We recommend switching to a pregnancy-safe alternative.

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Non-Vegan: This ingredient is typically derived from animal sources (e.g. beeswax, lanolin, carmine).