Beheneth-10
Pharcos BA 10
Also known as: PEG-10 Behenyl Ether | Polyoxyethylene 10 Behenyl Ether
Pharcos BA 10 is the polyethylene glycol ether of behenyl alcohol (C22). Because of its exceptionally long, straight-chain hydrophobic tail, it acts as a remarkably potent structural emulsifier and stabilizer. It is primarily specified for demanding hair care applications, such as chemical hair relaxers or deep-penetrating conditioning masks, where stability must be maintained alongside long-chain fatty alcohols.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Emulsifiers
- Grade:
- Non-ionic Surfactant
- CAS Number:
- 26636-40-8
Key Applications
- Hair Relaxers
- Deep Conditioners
- Roll-on Emulsions
- Heavy Skin Care Creams
How It Works
Beheneth-10 possesses an HLB of roughly 10.0, placing it right on the boundary between W/O and O/W emulsification. Its mechanism relies entirely on the unique C22 behenyl tail.
Compared to shorter chains (like Stearyl C18 or Cetyl C16), the C22 alkyl chain crystallizes at a much higher temperature and forms vastly thicker, more rigid lamellar gel networks when cooled. When formulated into a creamy emulsion, these massive molecular rods pack together with intense Van der Waals forces. This creates a highly robust microscopic scaffolding that immobilizes water and completely prevents phase separation, even in extreme conditions (like the highly alkaline environments of lye-based hair relaxers).
Technical Information
Common questions about Beheneth-10
The extra carbon length (C22 vs C16/C18) provides a noticeably different rheology. Emulsions made with Beheneth are thicker, have a higher melting point, and leave a more occlusive, protective film on the hair shaft, which is highly desirable in intense conditioning treatments.
Because of the long C22 tail and moderate ethoxylation, it is a very hard, waxy solid at room temperature that must be melted down (typically >65°C) before use.
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