Ingredient review
Lauryl Myristate
INCI: Lauryl Myristate
Lauryl Myristate is a reliable emollient that softens skin and improves product feel, but it may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.
In plain English
Lauryl Myristate is a synthetic ingredient made from lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) and myristic acid (a fatty acid). In skincare, it acts like a gentle oil that spreads easily, helping other ingredients glide on and leaving skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Think of it as a lightweight, silky moisturizer that also helps your cream or lotion feel luxurious on your 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
Lauryl 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 Lauryl 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
Lauryl Myristate is an ester—a compound formed by combining lauryl alcohol and myristic acid. It is a clear, oily liquid at room temperature, commonly used in cosmetics as an emollient and skin conditioner.
How it works
When applied to the skin, Lauryl Myristate sits on the surface, filling in tiny gaps between skin cells. This helps reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and makes the skin feel softer and smoother. It also improves the spreadability of other ingredients, so products feel less sticky and more pleasant.
Pros
Silky skin feel
Lauryl Myristate leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish that makes moisturizers and lotions feel luxurious and lightweight.
Improves product texture
It helps creams and serums spread evenly without pilling, enhancing the overall user experience.
Cons and cautions
Potential pore clogging
With a moderate comedogenic rating, it may cause breakouts or clogged pores in people prone to acne, especially in leave-on products.
Synthetic origin
While derived from natural fatty acids, it is chemically synthesized, which may not suit those seeking 100% natural formulations.
Best for
- People with dry or normal skin looking for a lightweight emollient
- Anyone who wants a smoother, more elegant product texture
Use caution if
- Individuals with acne-prone or very oily skin should patch test first due to moderate comedogenic risk
Usage tips
Safety summary
Lauryl Myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation potential but moderate comedogenic risk, meaning it may clog pores in some individuals. No significant toxicity or allergenicity has been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have concluded that lauryl myristate is safe as used in cosmetics. Studies show it is not a significant irritant or sensitizer, though comedogenicity data is limited and based on historical rabbit ear tests.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10% in leave-on products; up to 20% in wash-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the U.S. FDA and the European Commission. No known restrictions at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Body lotions, Facial creams, Lip products, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut or palm oil), but synthetic processing may involve energy-intensive steps. Palm oil sourcing can raise sustainability concerns.
Good to know
- Lauryl Myristate is often listed near the middle of ingredient lists, indicating moderate concentration.
- It is not the same as 'Myristyl Myristate'—a thicker, waxier ester with a different feel.
Common questions
What is Lauryl Myristate in beauty products?
Lauryl Myristate is a synthetic ingredient made from lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) and myristic acid (a fatty acid). In skincare, it acts like a gentle oil that spreads easily, helping other ingredients glide on and leaving skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Think of it as a lightweight, silky moisturizer that also helps your cream or lotion feel luxurious on your skin.
What does Lauryl Myristate do in a beauty product?
When applied to the skin, Lauryl Myristate sits on the surface, filling in tiny gaps between skin cells. This helps reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and makes the skin feel softer and smoother. It also improves the spreadability of other ingredients, so products feel less sticky and more pleasant.
Is Lauryl Myristate safe for most people?
Lauryl Myristate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation potential but moderate comedogenic risk, meaning it may clog pores in some individuals. No significant toxicity or allergenicity has been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Lauryl Myristate?
Individuals with acne-prone or very oily skin should patch test first due to moderate comedogenic risk
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.