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The material selection platform
Cosmetics Ingredients
The material selection platform
Cosmetics Ingredients

MYRISTYL MYRISTATE

CAS Number 3234-85-3
Chem/IUPAC Name: Tetradecyl myristate
EINECS/ELINCS No: 221-787-9
COSING REF No: 35459
MYRISTYL MYRISTATE
Myristyl Myristate is a hydrating and protecting ingredient for the skin that makes the surface velvety smooth. It has exceptional emollient property that deeply moisturizes the skin without being greasy and also forms a barrier on the surface to safeguard the skin against dust and pollution. Not only that, Myristyl Myristate has the ability to improve the texture of the formulations and prevent oil and water-based components from separating. In its raw form, it appears as a white to yellow waxy solid that melts at close to skin temperature, allowing the formation of effective skin care products. However, Myristyl Myristate has a high comedogenic rating, and individuals with acne-prone skin are advised against using it.

What is MYRISTYL MYRISTATE used for?

Myristyl Myristate is a versatile ingredient utilized across personal care and cosmetic formulations.
  • Skin care: In skin care, Myristyl Myristate functions as an emollient, forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss, and promoting softness. It is also non-greasy and gives the skin a velvety appearance upon application
  • Hair care: Myristyl Myristate is added to hair care products like shampoos and conditioners to enhance hair conditioning and prevent dryness and/or frizziness. It helps detangle the hair and improve manageability
  • Decorative cosmetics: In cosmetics, Myristyl Myristate acts as a binder, stabilizer, and texture enhancer, improving the spreadability and adherence of formulations

Origin

Myristyl Myristate can be plant-derived as it appears naturally in sources like coconut oil, nutmeg oil, and kernel oil. It can also be made synthetically via the esterification reaction wherein myristyl alcohol and myristic acid are combined in the presence of a catalyst, typically sulfuric acid. This reaction forms the ester bond between the alcohol and acid molecules, producing Myristyl Myristate. After the reaction, purification steps may be employed to remove impurities and obtain a high-quality product. The chemical formula of Myristyl Myristate is C28H56O2.

What does MYRISTYL MYRISTATE do in a formulation?

  • Binding
  • Emollient
  • Hair conditioning
  • Hair fixing
  • Moisturising
  • Skin conditioning
  • Skin protecting
  • Smoothing

Safety profile

Myristyl Myristate is generally considered safe for cosmetic use when used within the recommended concentrations of 1-10%. It has low to no reported toxicity and is non-irritating and non-sensitizing to the skin. However, it can be comedogenic, and individuals with acne-prone skin are cautioned against it. Patch test is recommended for people with sensitive and/or oily skin.

Technical profile

Property Values
Melting Point ~38°C
Solubility Insoluble in water
Viscosity Low
32
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