Behenyl Alcohol Market Survey On Emerging Opportunities

Behenyl alcohol, also known as docasanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol that is traditionally used as an emulsifier, emollient, and as a thickener in nutritional supplements and cosmetics. It is also used to thicken or neutralize formulations. In recent times, docasanol has been approved as an antiviral agent by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is effective in reducing cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Docasanol with the purity level of approximately 70% is used widely. Docasanol with the purity level of more than 80% is seldom used. This product accounts for a minimal share of the total market for fatty alcohols.

Growing usage of behenyl alcohol in pharmaceuticals and organic cosmetics industries is the key factor fuelling the demand for the product at the global level. Europe is the major producer of rapeseed in the world. Most of the companies based in Europe arrange for raw materials at a price lower than their rivals from other regions such as North America and Asia Pacific. Further, Europe is home to more than 450 large- and small-scale manufacturers. Rising consumption of anti-aging products is expected to drive the behenyl alcohol market in Europe. Additionally, abundance of low-cost raw materials and labor and increased demand for organic cosmetics are expected to drive the demand for behenyl alcohol in Asia Pacific.

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However, oversupply of fatty alcohol is a major factor hampering the growth of the behenyl alcohol market at present. Further, higher prices of behenyl alcohol as compared to other forms of long-chain fatty alcohols is another major hindrance to growth of this market. Side-effects of using behenyl alcohol include headache, difficulty in breathing, facial swelling, confusion, chest pain, and dizziness. Severe side effects include diarrhea, soreness, rash, burning, dryness, and swelling. These may refrain consumers from using products infused with behenyl alcohol. This can greatly hinder the overall growth of the market.

Increased market penetration by major manufacturers of behenyl alcohol in underdeveloped markets is anticipated to create growth opportunities for the market in the near future.