Iso Propyl Myristrate (standard technical name: Isopropyl Myristate) is a lightweight, silky-feeling cosmetic ester widely used as an emollient, spreading agent, solvent and sensory modifier in skin care, hair care, body care, fragrance and personal care formulations.
It provides excellent spreadability and a smooth, dry-to-light skin feel while helping reduce the heavy or greasy sensation that can sometimes occur with richer oils and emollients. Its good compatibility with many cosmetic ingredients makes it a versatile choice for creams, lotions, oils, makeup, sunscreens and other personal-care formulations.
INCI Name
Isopropyl Myristate
Common Names
- Iso Propyl Myristrate
- Isopropyl Myristate
- IPM
- Isopropyl Tetradecanoate
- Myristic Acid Isopropyl Ester
- Isopropyl Myristate Ester
- Cosmetic IPM
- IPM Emollient
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Isopropyl Myristate |
| INCI Name | Isopropyl Myristate |
| CAS Number | 110-27-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C17H34O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 270.46 g/mol |
| Chemical Type | Fatty Acid Ester |
| Ester | Isopropyl Ester of Myristic Acid |
| Physical Form | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odour | Mild / characteristic |
| Water Solubility | Practically insoluble |
| Oil Solubility | Soluble/miscible with many cosmetic oils and organic materials |
| Functional Class | Emollient / Spreading Agent / Solvent |
Ingredient / Functional Type
- Emollient
- Spreading agent
- Sensory modifier
- Cosmetic solvent
- Skin-conditioning ingredient
- Oil-phase formulation aid
- Texture modifier
Key Functions & Benefits
1. Lightweight Emollience
Provides a smooth and soft skin feel without the heavy sensation associated with some high-viscosity oils.
2. Excellent Spreadability
Helps cosmetic formulations spread easily and evenly across the skin, making it useful for creams, lotions, oils and other leave-on products.
3. Silky Sensory Profile
Contributes to a smooth, silky and elegant after-feel, making it valuable in premium sensory-focused formulations.
4. Helps Reduce Greasy Feel
Can help create lighter-feeling oil phases when combined with suitable cosmetic oils and emollients.
5. Useful as a Carrier
Its ester properties make it useful as a carrier and solvent for selected oil-soluble cosmetic ingredients.
6. Improves Product Application
Can enhance the glide and application characteristics of creams, lotions, makeup and personal-care products.
Cosmetic Applications
Skin Care
Suitable for:
- Face creams
- Moisturizers
- Facial lotions
- Body lotions
- Body creams
- Skin oils
- Massage oils
- Hand creams
- Foot creams
- After-sun products
- Body butters
- Serums with an oil phase
Sun Care
Can be used in suitable:
- Sunscreens
- Sun lotions
- Sun creams
- After-sun formulations
- SPF cosmetic formulations
Makeup & Color Cosmetics
Useful in:
- Foundations
- BB creams
- CC creams
- Makeup creams
- Concealers
- Lip products
- Makeup bases
- Color cosmetics
- Cream blushes
Hair Care
Can be incorporated into selected:
- Hair serums
- Hair oils
- Hair creams
- Leave-in conditioners
- Anti-frizz formulations
- Hair styling products
- Scalp-care oil formulations
Personal Care
Also suitable for:
- Deodorants
- Fragrance formulations
- Body oils
- Shaving products
- Massage formulations
- Personal-care creams and lotions
Recommended Usage
A general cosmetic formulation starting range is approximately:
1–20%
The appropriate concentration depends on the formulation, desired sensory profile, product type and the specifications of the selected grade.
For lightweight emollient systems, lower levels may be sufficient, while richer oil-phase formulations may require higher levels.
Always follow the supplier’s TDS and formulation testing recommendations for the exact grade.
How to Use
Isopropyl Myristate is generally incorporated into the oil phase of cosmetic formulations.
Typical Process
- Measure the required quantity according to the formulation.
- Add it to the oil phase.
- Mix with other compatible oils, esters, emollients or oil-soluble ingredients.
- If heating is required, follow the formulation’s validated processing temperature.
- Combine with the aqueous phase when preparing an emulsion.
- Homogenize or mix until uniform.
- Continue with the normal cooling and finishing process.
Formulation Compatibility
Isopropyl Myristate can be used with many commonly used cosmetic ingredients, including:
- Vegetable oils
- Cosmetic esters
- Hydrocarbon emollients
- Silicones
- Waxes
- Oil-soluble vitamins
- Fragrance ingredients
- UV filters, where permitted and compatible
- Emulsifiers
- Fatty alcohols
- Butter-based systems
- Skin-conditioning ingredients
Compatibility should be evaluated in the complete formulation because the final performance depends on the combination of oils, emulsifiers, actives and other ingredients.
Suitable Product Types
| Product Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Face Creams | ✓ |
| Moisturizers | ✓ |
| Body Lotions | ✓ |
| Body Creams | ✓ |
| Facial Oils | ✓ |
| Massage Oils | ✓ |
| Sunscreen Formulations | ✓ |
| After-Sun Products | ✓ |
| Foundations | ✓ |
| BB/CC Creams | ✓ |
| Concealers | ✓ |
| Hair Serums | ✓ |
| Hair Oils | ✓ |
| Leave-In Products | ✓ |
| Deodorants | ✓ |
| Fragrance Products | ✓ |
Product Information
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Iso Propyl Myristrate |
| Standard Name | Isopropyl Myristate |
| INCI | Isopropyl Myristate |
| Abbreviation | IPM |
| CAS Number | 110-27-0 |
| Formula | C17H34O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 270.46 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Fatty Acid Ester |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Solubility in Water | Practically insoluble |
| Main Function | Emollient / Spreading Agent |
| Application | Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup & Personal Care |
Storage
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Keep the container tightly closed.
- Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Avoid contamination by water or foreign materials.
- Store in the original or compatible sealed container.
- Follow the storage recommendations provided in the supplier’s SDS/TDS.
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