Ingredient review
Ethyl Myristate
INCI: Ethyl Myristate
Ethyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.
In plain English
Ethyl Myristate is an ingredient made from myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oil) and ethanol. It feels silky and non-greasy on the skin, helping lotions and creams spread easily. However, because it is an ester, it can be moderately comedogenic, meaning it might block pores and cause breakouts in people with oily or acne-prone skin.
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
Ethyl 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 Ethyl 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
Ethyl Myristate is a synthetic ester created by combining myristic acid with ethanol. It is a clear, oily liquid used to improve the texture and feel of skincare products.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Ethyl Myristate sits on the skin's surface to reduce water loss (like a gentle barrier) and gives a smooth, silky slip. It helps other ingredients spread evenly and leaves a soft, non-sticky finish.
Pros
Lightweight texture
Ethyl Myristate feels silky and non-greasy, making it ideal for lotions and creams that absorb quickly without leaving a heavy residue.
Improves spreadability
It helps other ingredients glide smoothly over the skin, enhancing the overall application experience of your moisturizer or cleanser.
Cons and cautions
May clog pores
With a moderate comedogenic rating, Ethyl Myristate can trigger breakouts in people with acne-prone or oily skin, especially if used in high concentrations.
Not ideal for sensitive acne
If you are prone to closed comedones or whiteheads, this ingredient might worsen congestion compared to non-comedogenic alternatives.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a lightweight emollient
- Those who enjoy silky, fast-absorbing moisturizers
Use caution if
- Individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin who are sensitive to esters
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ethyl Myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use with low irritation potential. The main concern is its moderate comedogenic risk, which may cause breakouts in susceptible individuals. It is not a known allergen or irritant.
Research notes
Research on Ethyl Myristate is limited, but it is widely used in cosmetics. Its comedogenic potential is based on anecdotal and historical data from rabbit ear tests, which may not perfectly predict human skin response. No significant toxicity or sensitization has been reported.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission, with no concentration restrictions in leave-on or rinse-off products.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Makeup removers, Fragrance formulations
- Environmental note
- Ethyl Myristate is synthetic but derived from natural fatty acids. It is biodegradable and not considered a major environmental concern at typical cosmetic use levels.
Good to know
- Ethyl Myristate is often found in cleansing balms and makeup removers because it dissolves makeup and sunscreen effectively.
- It is sometimes used in fragrances to help scent last longer on the skin.
Common questions
What is Ethyl Myristate in beauty products?
Ethyl Myristate is an ingredient made from myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oil) and ethanol. It feels silky and non-greasy on the skin, helping lotions and creams spread easily. However, because it is an ester, it can be moderately comedogenic, meaning it might block pores and cause breakouts in people with oily or acne-prone skin.
What does Ethyl Myristate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Ethyl Myristate sits on the skin's surface to reduce water loss (like a gentle barrier) and gives a smooth, silky slip. It helps other ingredients spread evenly and leaves a soft, non-sticky finish.
Is Ethyl Myristate safe for most people?
Ethyl Myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use with low irritation potential. The main concern is its moderate comedogenic risk, which may cause breakouts in susceptible individuals. It is not a known allergen or irritant.
Who should be careful with Ethyl Myristate?
Individuals with very oily or acne-prone skin who are sensitive to esters
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.