Ingredient review
Glyceryl Myristate
INCI: Glyceryl Myristate
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and stabilize creams without clogging pores.
In plain English
Glyceryl myristate is a fatty ingredient made from glycerin and myristic acid (a natural fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm oil). In skincare, it acts as a softener and helps mix oil and water so products feel smooth and creamy. It leaves a light, non-sticky feel on the skin, making it suitable for daily moisturizers and lotions.
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
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Glyceryl Myristate 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 Glyceryl 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
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
Glyceryl myristate is the ester of glycerin and myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. It appears as a waxy solid at room temperature and is used in cosmetics primarily as an emollient and emulsifier.
How it works
As an emollient, it fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells, making the skin surface smoother and softer. As an emulsifier, it helps blend water and oil ingredients together so the product stays stable and spreads evenly. It also forms a light protective layer on the skin that reduces moisture loss without feeling heavy.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Glyceryl myristate has a very low irritation risk, making it safe for sensitive skin and daily use in moisturizers.
Non-greasy feel
Unlike heavier oils, it absorbs quickly and leaves a silky, lightweight finish, ideal for daytime lotions.
Cons and cautions
Not a powerhouse ingredient
Its main role is texture and feel, not delivering active benefits like anti-aging or brightening.
Sourcing concerns
Myristic acid is often derived from palm oil, which may be linked to deforestation unless certified sustainable.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a light moisturizer
- Those who prefer non-greasy, fast-absorbing creams
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to coconut-derived ingredients (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Glyceryl myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use with very low irritation and allergy potential. It is not known to be comedogenic, so it is unlikely to clog pores. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have extremely sensitive skin or known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives.
Research notes
Glyceryl myristate has been evaluated by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and found safe for use in cosmetics. Studies confirm its low irritation potential and effectiveness as an emollient and emulsifier. Most evidence comes from formulation science rather than clinical efficacy trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA (as part of generally recognized safe ingredients) and the EU Cosmetics Regulation. No concentration restrictions for leave-on or rinse-off products.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Creams, Lotions, Cleansers
- Environmental note
- Myristic acid is often sourced from palm or coconut oil. Look for products with RSPO-certified palm oil or coconut-derived alternatives to support sustainable sourcing.
Good to know
- Glyceryl myristate is often used alongside other emulsifiers to create stable, creamy textures.
- It is considered safe by major cosmetic safety panels at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Glyceryl Myristate in beauty products?
Glyceryl myristate is a fatty ingredient made from glycerin and myristic acid (a natural fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm oil). In skincare, it acts as a softener and helps mix oil and water so products feel smooth and creamy. It leaves a light, non-sticky feel on the skin, making it suitable for daily moisturizers and lotions.
What does Glyceryl Myristate do in a beauty product?
As an emollient, it fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells, making the skin surface smoother and softer. As an emulsifier, it helps blend water and oil ingredients together so the product stays stable and spreads evenly. It also forms a light protective layer on the skin that reduces moisture loss without feeling heavy.
Is Glyceryl Myristate safe for most people?
Glyceryl myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use with very low irritation and allergy potential. It is not known to be comedogenic, so it is unlikely to clog pores. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have extremely sensitive skin or known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives.
Who should be careful with Glyceryl Myristate?
Individuals with a known allergy to coconut-derived ingredients (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.