How Isopropyl Myristate Works on Your Skin

Most people are familiar with hydration heroes like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, but isopropyl myristate often flies under the radar. Surprisingly, a quick look at the products on your bathroom shelf would likely reveal this ingredient in many of them.

Isopropyl myristate is an emollient that helps seal in moisture, keeping skin soft and smooth. What sets it apart from other emollients is its ability to boost the absorption of additional ingredients, helping formulas work more effectively. It also plays a key role in creating products with a smooth, lightweight feel, making skincare and personal care formulas more pleasant to use.

Isopropyl Myristate

Type of Ingredient: Primarily an emollient, while also functioning as a thickening and lubricating agent in cosmetic formulations.

Main Benefits: Helps lock in moisture, improves the absorption of other ingredients, adds thickness to formulas, and gives oil-rich products a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Who Should Use It: Generally suited for those with normal to dry skin who want added moisture and a softer skin texture.

How Often You Can Use It: Usage depends on the product’s instructions, though applying once or twice daily is typically considered suitable.

Works Well With: Compatible with a wide range of active ingredients, making it a common addition to many skincare and personal care products.

Avoid Using With: Since it increases ingredient penetration, it’s important to consider what other actives are included in a product, as enhanced absorption may increase the chance of irritation in some cases.

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What Is Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic oil created by combining isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. It appears in a wide range of personal care products—from aftershaves to antiperspirants and moisturizers—because it improves both product texture and performance. It thickens formulas, gives oil-based products a smoother, less greasy feel, and also helps other ingredients absorb more effectively into the skin.

Benefits of Isopropyl Myristate for Skin

• Softens and smooths: Its emollient properties make it useful for relieving dryness and flakiness.

• Boosts ingredient absorption: It can alter the outermost layer of the skin, allowing active ingredients to penetrate more easily and work more effectively.

• Enhances product feel: It helps create rich, creamy textures without heaviness or residue.

Side Effects of Isopropyl Myristate

The main concern with this ingredient is its tendency to clog pores, making it unsuitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Its ability to increase ingredient penetration can also heighten sensitivity or irritation when combined with strong actives like retinoids or acids. Those with sensitive or reactive skin should patch test and pay attention to how their skin responds.

How to Use It

Since it appears in many formulations, usage depends on the directions of the product you are applying. In most cases, limitations will be based on the strength of the active ingredients in the product rather than isopropyl myristate itself.

FAQ

What does isopropyl myristate do for the skin?

It acts as a moisturizer, helps other ingredients penetrate more effectively, thickens formulas, and gives products with high oil content a smooth, silky feel rather than a greasy one.

Who should avoid isopropyl myristate?

Because it can clog pores, individuals with acne-prone or breakout-prone skin should avoid using it.

How often can I use isopropyl myristate?

Usage depends on the product instructions, but it is generally safe to use daily or twice daily.

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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II