Ingredient · Updated
Isopropyl Myristate
Found in 10 productsSee all
W3LL People Expressionist Brow Pencil 
Germ-X Moisturizing Fresh Citrus Hand Sanitizer 
Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion 
Henry Rose Flora Carnivora Eau de Parfum 
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla 
Phlur Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum 
Aera Mini Diffuser 
Carpe Antiperspirant for Underarms / Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate / LOTION What is Isopropyl Myristate?
Isopropyl Myristate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It is a colorless and odorless liquid commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products.
This ingredient is primarily used as an emollient, helping to improve the feel, spreadability, and absorption of products on the skin. The safety data indicates it is generally considered safe for use, although some reports suggest it may potentially cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
When you see Isopropyl Myristate on a label, it is there to enhance the texture and spreadability of products, making them more pleasant to use.
Commonly found in: Fragrances, Makeup, Hand Sanitizer, Lotions, Creams
What to watch
- Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation when using products containing Isopropyl Myristate.
Benefits
- Helps to improve the absorption and spreadability of cosmetic products on the skin.
Isopropyl Myristate is not specifically regulated but is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Research shows it is safe for general use, but there are isolated instances of it causing skin irritation.
Isopropyl Myristate is typically synthetic or plant-derived, making it suitable for vegan use.
Sources: Isopropyl Myristate Profile
Scout's take
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
The case against
It may cause skin irritation or acne in some individuals with sensitive skin.
from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian Vanilla · echoed in 1 other analysisThere are minimal risks, though it may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
from the analysis of Carpe Antiperspirant for Underarms / Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate / LOTIONMinimal risks associated with isopropyl myristate.
from the analysis of Aera Mini DiffuserThe case for
It improves the absorption of other ingredients and acts as an emollient.
from the analysis of Carpe Antiperspirant for Underarms / Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate / LOTIONIt helps to improve the texture and absorption of the lotion.
from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian VanillaHelps in spreading and absorption of other ingredients.
from the analysis of Aera Mini DiffuserImproves product texture and enhances skin feel.
from the analysis of Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body LotionMore from Scout's analyses
Isopropyl myristate is an ester used to enhance the absorption of other ingredients. It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
from the analysis of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula® with Vitamin E Daily Body Lotion Tahitian VanillaIsopropyl Myristate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It enhances the absorption of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
from the analysis of Carpe Antiperspirant for Underarms / Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate / LOTIONIsopropyl myristate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It is used as an emollient and fragrance ingredient. It is generally considered safe for use.
from the analysis of Aera Mini DiffuserAll 10 products with Isopropyl Myristate
Where Isopropyl Myristate shows up
- Hand Sanitizer 3 products
- Body Lotion 2 products
- Fragrances 2 products
- Makeup 1 product
- Air Fresheners 1 product
- Deodorant 1 product
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