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Ingredient directory

Behenamide Mea

A high-purity, long-chain fatty acid amide that serves as both a structural stabilizer and a potential skin-soothing agent. Its unique C22 molecular structure allows it to refine product texture while supporting the skin's lipid barrier through endocannabinoid-mimetic pathways.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

Viscosity controlling Opacifying Surfactant Foam boosting

Science

Mechanism of Action

Behenamide MEA acts as a multi-functional lipid regulator. Beyond its physical role as an opacifier and viscosity enhancer, it functions as a biological analog to Palmitamide MEA (PEA). Once applied, it can be metabolized by the skin's Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme into behenic acid and ethanolamine, which indirectly supports the endocannabinoid system to soothe irritation and reinforce the moisture barrier.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.5–15%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Evaluated as a consistency regulator providing smooth payoff and non-irritating structural support in stick formulations at levels up to 15%.
  2. 02 Comprehensive 2015 safety assessment by the CIR Expert Panel confirmed its safety profile across 28 ethanolamides when formulated for low irritation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.1%

Because it is often used for its physical texturizing properties, concentrations below 0.5% may indicate it is being used for label claims regarding 'endocannabinoid support' without providing the necessary structural or soothing benefits.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 3 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

Highly stable in standard conditions but prone to hydrolysis at pH levels below 3.0 or above 10.0, especially when exposed to heat.

Synergies

  • Lipids
  • Ceramides
  • Nonionic surfactants

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating agents (e.g., Bronopol, Sodium Nitrite)
  • Strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
17%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Must be formulated to limit free ethanolamine to 5%. Avoid use in formulas containing nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of nitrosamines.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An excellent dual-purpose ingredient that provides elegant formula architecture while potentially offering endocannabinoid-mimetic soothing benefits.

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