Ingredient review
Myreth-2 Myristate
INCI: MYRETH-2 MYRISTATE
A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but may clog pores for some skin types.
In plain English
Myreth-2 Myristate is a man-made ingredient that helps lotions and creams feel smooth and spread evenly on your skin. It works by softening the skin's surface and helping other ingredients mix together. Think of it as a helper that makes your moisturizer feel luxurious, but it can be a bit heavy for 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
Myreth-2 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 Myreth-2 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
Myreth-2 Myristate is a synthetic ester created from myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm oil) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is a waxy, semi-solid substance used to improve the feel and stability of cosmetic products.
How it works
It sits on the skin's surface, forming a thin, non-greasy film that reduces water loss and gives a silky, smooth feel. As an emulsifier, it helps water and oil ingredients blend together so the product stays mixed and consistent.
Pros
Silky texture
Creates a smooth, luxurious feel on the skin without heavy greasiness, making products more pleasant to apply.
Stable emulsions
Helps keep water and oil ingredients mixed, so your product stays consistent and effective over time.
Cons and cautions
Potential pore clogging
Rated as moderately comedogenic, meaning it may clog pores and trigger breakouts in acne-prone individuals.
Synthetic processing
Made with PEG compounds, which can contain trace impurities like ethylene oxide if not properly purified, though this is rare in reputable products.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin
- Those who enjoy rich, creamy textures in their skincare
Use caution if
- People with very oily or acne-prone skin
- Those who prefer water-light, gel-based formulas
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myreth-2 Myristate is generally safe for most people when used in cosmetics. The main concern is its moderate comedogenic potential, which may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar PEG esters and found them safe at typical use levels.
Research notes
Limited direct studies on Myreth-2 Myristate, but research on similar PEG esters indicates low acute toxicity and skin irritation. Comedogenicity is based on anecdotal and clinical observations of related fatty esters.
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, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- Synthetic ingredient derived from petrochemicals and plant-based fatty acids; not biodegradable in all conditions, but used in small amounts.
Good to know
- Myreth-2 Myristate is often used in combination with other emollients to balance texture.
- It is considered safe by major regulatory bodies when used in typical cosmetic concentrations.
Common questions
What is Myreth-2 Myristate in beauty products?
Myreth-2 Myristate is a man-made ingredient that helps lotions and creams feel smooth and spread evenly on your skin. It works by softening the skin's surface and helping other ingredients mix together. Think of it as a helper that makes your moisturizer feel luxurious, but it can be a bit heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.
What does Myreth-2 Myristate do in a beauty product?
It sits on the skin's surface, forming a thin, non-greasy film that reduces water loss and gives a silky, smooth feel. As an emulsifier, it helps water and oil ingredients blend together so the product stays mixed and consistent.
Is Myreth-2 Myristate safe for most people?
Myreth-2 Myristate is generally safe for most people when used in cosmetics. The main concern is its moderate comedogenic potential, which may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar PEG esters and found them safe at typical use levels.
Who should be careful with Myreth-2 Myristate?
People with very oily or acne-prone skin Those who prefer water-light, gel-based formulas
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.