Myristyl Alcohol is a very useful ingredient in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It is commonly used as an emollient as it helps to hydrate and soothe the skin leaving it healthier and better textured. Myristyl Alcohol also reduces the surface tension between different components and helps to combine oil and water-based ingredients together. Overall, it improves the feel, texture, and performance of different products such as body lotions, lip balms, shampoos, and sunscreens. The chemical formula of Myristyl Alcohol is C14H30O.
Origin
Myristyl Alcohol is derived from natural sources like palm kernel oil, coconut oil, or other vegetable oils. For this procedure, myristic acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium or nickel. Myristyl Alcohol can be in the form of a white waxy solid, flakes, or powder.
Safety profile
Myristyl Alcohol is good for skin and hair and has no major side effects. In some cases, it can cause mild allergies and irritation. Therefore, a patch test is a must, especially for sensitive skin types. Generally, Myristyl Alcohol is not comedogenic - which means that it does not clog pores or cause acne. It is also vegan and halal since it is derived from plant-based sources like coconut oil.