Ingredient review
Calcium Myristate
INCI: Calcium Myristate
Calcium Myristate is a safe thickening agent that gives products a creamy feel, but it may be moderately pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.
In plain English
Calcium Myristate is a waxy, soap-like ingredient made from myristic acid (a fatty acid found in nutmeg and other plants) and calcium. In skincare, it helps thicken lotions and creams, giving them a smooth, rich texture. It also makes liquid products look more opaque instead of clear. While it's generally safe and non-irritating, it can clog pores for some people because it's a fatty compound.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is low; clogging risk is moderate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- moderate
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Calcium Myristate can be useful, but watch for possible clogging concerns.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Calcium Myristate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
moderateMay be fine for many users but deserves caution if you are breakout-prone.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Calcium Myristate is the calcium salt of myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It is a white, waxy powder that is insoluble in water and commonly synthesized for use in cosmetics.
How it works
When added to a formula, Calcium Myristate acts as a thickener by increasing the viscosity of the product. It also scatters light, making the product appear opaque or pearlescent. It helps stabilize emulsions, preventing oil and water from separating.
Pros
Improves texture
Gives creams and lotions a smooth, luxurious feel without being greasy.
Stabilizes formulas
Helps keep oil and water mixed together, extending product shelf life and consistency.
Cons and cautions
Potential pore clogging
As a fatty acid derivative, it has moderate comedogenic potential and may cause breakouts in sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Synthetic origin
It is typically lab-made, which may not align with preferences for natural or plant-derived ingredients.
Best for
- People who enjoy rich, creamy lotions and creams
- Those with normal to dry skin looking for texture improvement
Use caution if
- Individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin who are sensitive to fatty compounds
Usage tips
Safety summary
Calcium Myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use with low irritation potential. The main concern is moderate comedogenicity, meaning it may clog pores for some individuals. It is not a known allergen or toxin.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have concluded that myristic acid and its salts are safe in cosmetics at current usage levels. No significant human or animal toxicity has been reported.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no concentration restrictions, but typical use is low.
- Common uses
- Creams, Lotions, Soaps, Makeup
- Environmental note
- Calcium Myristate is biodegradable and not known to accumulate in the environment, though its synthetic production may have a moderate carbon footprint.
Good to know
- Calcium Myristate is often used in soap bars to create a harder, longer-lasting bar.
- It is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Calcium Myristate in beauty products?
Calcium Myristate is a waxy, soap-like ingredient made from myristic acid (a fatty acid found in nutmeg and other plants) and calcium. In skincare, it helps thicken lotions and creams, giving them a smooth, rich texture. It also makes liquid products look more opaque instead of clear. While it's generally safe and non-irritating, it can clog pores for some people because it's a fatty compound.
What does Calcium Myristate do in a beauty product?
When added to a formula, Calcium Myristate acts as a thickener by increasing the viscosity of the product. It also scatters light, making the product appear opaque or pearlescent. It helps stabilize emulsions, preventing oil and water from separating.
Is Calcium Myristate safe for most people?
Calcium Myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use with low irritation potential. The main concern is moderate comedogenicity, meaning it may clog pores for some individuals. It is not a known allergen or toxin.
Who should be careful with Calcium Myristate?
Individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin who are sensitive to fatty compounds
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.