Ingredient review
Myreth-3 Caprate
INCI: MYRETH-3 CAPRATE
A mild synthetic emollient that helps products spread smoothly without greasiness, generally safe for most skin types.
In plain English
Myreth-3 Caprate is a man-made ingredient that acts like a gentle oil. It helps creams and lotions feel silky and spread easily on your skin without leaving a heavy, sticky residue. Think of it as a helper that makes your moisturizer feel nicer to apply.
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
Myreth-3 Caprate 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 Myreth-3 Caprate.
- 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
Myreth-3 Caprate is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of myristyl alcohol and capric acid. It is a clear to slightly yellow liquid that functions as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetic formulations.
How it works
It sits on the skin's surface to soften and smooth the outer layer, reducing water loss. As a surfactant, it also helps mix oil and water ingredients, improving product stability and texture.
Pros
Lightweight feel
Unlike heavier oils, Myreth-3 Caprate absorbs quickly and leaves a silky finish, making it ideal for daytime moisturizers and gel-creams.
Low irritation
It has a low irritation and comedogenic rating, so it's unlikely to clog pores or cause redness for most people.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is a lab-created ingredient, which may be a drawback for those seeking fully natural or organic skincare routines.
Potential impurities
As a PEG compound, it can contain trace levels of ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if not manufactured to high purity standards, though reputable brands ensure these are removed.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin who prefer lightweight textures
- Anyone looking for a non-greasy emollient in moisturizers or sunscreens
Use caution if
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic or PEG-based ingredients
- Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myreth-3 Caprate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace impurities in PEG compounds, but this is well-controlled by quality manufacturing.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found PEG derivatives like Myreth-3 Caprate to be safe when formulated to minimize impurities. Specific studies on this exact ingredient are limited, but its chemical class is well-studied.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 0.5% to 5% in leave-on products; up to 10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no specific concentration restrictions, though manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices to minimize impurities.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Hair conditioners, Sunscreens
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic PEG derivative, it is not biodegradable in all conditions, but it is used in low concentrations and is not considered a major environmental concern.
Good to know
- Myreth-3 Caprate is often used in 'lightweight' or 'gel' moisturizers for combination and oily skin.
- It is not a common standalone ingredient; you'll find it as part of a formulated product.
Common questions
What is Myreth-3 Caprate in beauty products?
Myreth-3 Caprate is a man-made ingredient that acts like a gentle oil. It helps creams and lotions feel silky and spread easily on your skin without leaving a heavy, sticky residue. Think of it as a helper that makes your moisturizer feel nicer to apply.
What does Myreth-3 Caprate do in a beauty product?
It sits on the skin's surface to soften and smooth the outer layer, reducing water loss. As a surfactant, it also helps mix oil and water ingredients, improving product stability and texture.
Is Myreth-3 Caprate safe for most people?
Myreth-3 Caprate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace impurities in PEG compounds, but this is well-controlled by quality manufacturing.
Who should be careful with Myreth-3 Caprate?
Those strictly avoiding all synthetic or PEG-based ingredients Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG 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.