Ingredient review
Dimyristyl Tartrate
INCI: DIMYRISTYL TARTRATE
A gentle emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to improve the feel of creams and lotions.
In plain English
Dimyristyl tartrate is an ingredient made from tartaric acid (found in grapes) and myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil). It acts like a skin softener, helping to keep moisture in and making the skin feel smooth and silky. In products, it also helps other ingredients spread easily and gives a nice, non-greasy texture.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Dimyristyl Tartrate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
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 Dimyristyl Tartrate.
- 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
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A diester of tartaric acid and myristyl alcohol, produced synthetically for use as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics.
How it works
It forms a thin, protective film on the skin's surface that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and fills in rough patches, making skin feel softer and smoother. It also improves the spreadability and texture of creams and lotions.
Pros
Lightweight feel
Provides softness and smoothness without leaving a heavy or greasy residue, making it ideal for daytime moisturizers and serums.
Low irritation risk
Rated as low-irritation and low-comedogenic, so it's unlikely to cause breakouts or stinging, even for sensitive skin types.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Made in a lab rather than directly from plants, which may be a downside for consumers seeking 100% natural or organic products.
Limited research
While safe for use, there are fewer independent studies on dimyristyl tartrate compared to classic emollients like shea butter or jojoba oil.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a lightweight moisturizer
- Anyone who wants a non-greasy emollient in their skincare routine
Use caution if
- Those with a known allergy to tartaric acid derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Dimyristyl tartrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated dimyristyl tartrate and concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics. Most evidence comes from safety assessments rather than efficacy studies, but its function as an emollient is well understood.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe as used.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Anti-aging creams, Lip products, Makeup
- Environmental note
- Sourced from tartaric acid (a byproduct of winemaking) and myristyl alcohol (often from coconut or palm oil). Palm oil sourcing may raise sustainability concerns; look for RSPO-certified options.
Good to know
- Dimyristyl tartrate is often used in combination with other emollients to achieve a silky, non-tacky finish.
- It is considered biodegradable and safe for aquatic environments at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Dimyristyl Tartrate in beauty products?
Dimyristyl tartrate is an ingredient made from tartaric acid (found in grapes) and myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil). It acts like a skin softener, helping to keep moisture in and making the skin feel smooth and silky. In products, it also helps other ingredients spread easily and gives a nice, non-greasy texture.
What does Dimyristyl Tartrate do in a beauty product?
It forms a thin, protective film on the skin's surface that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and fills in rough patches, making skin feel softer and smoother. It also improves the spreadability and texture of creams and lotions.
Is Dimyristyl Tartrate safe for most people?
Dimyristyl tartrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Dimyristyl Tartrate?
Those with a known allergy to tartaric acid derivatives (rare)
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.