Ingredient review
Zinc Myristate
INCI: Zinc Myristate
Zinc Myristate is a safe, synthetic powder ingredient that improves the feel and application of makeup, but it offers no active skincare benefits.
In plain English
Zinc Myristate is a fine white powder added to makeup and skincare products to make them feel silky and smooth. It helps pressed powders hold together and gives loose powders a luxurious, non-chalky texture. Think of it as a helper ingredient that improves how a product feels on your skin and how well it stays in its compact, but it doesn't treat or change 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.
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
Zinc 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 Zinc 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
Zinc Myristate is a zinc salt of myristic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in nutmeg and other plant oils. It is produced synthetically for cosmetics and appears as a soft, white powder.
How it works
In a cosmetic formula, Zinc Myristate acts as a binder to hold pressed powder together and as a texture enhancer to create a silky, smooth feel. It also helps other pigments and powders spread evenly on the skin and can increase the opacity of a product, making it more covering.
Pros
Improves makeup feel
Zinc Myristate gives powders a silky, luxurious texture that glides on smoothly, making application more pleasant and even.
Helps product stability
It acts as a binder in pressed powders, preventing them from breaking or crumbling, so your compact lasts longer.
Cons and cautions
No active skincare benefit
Unlike ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, Zinc Myristate does not hydrate, soothe, or treat the skin—it's purely a texture helper.
Can feel heavy in liquids
If used too much in liquid or cream products, it may leave a powdery or slightly heavy feel on the skin.
Best for
- Anyone who uses pressed or loose powder makeup and wants a smooth, non-chalky finish
- People with normal to combination skin looking for a reliable texture enhancer
Use caution if
- Those seeking active skincare ingredients (e.g., hydration, antioxidants) should not rely on Zinc Myristate for those benefits
Usage tips
Safety summary
Zinc Myristate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated Zinc Myristate and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. Research primarily focuses on its function as a binder and texture enhancer, with no evidence of toxicity or sensitization at typical use levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in powder products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and other major markets. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe as used.
- Common uses
- Pressed powders, Loose powders, Foundations, Eye shadows, Blushes
- Environmental note
- Zinc Myristate is synthetically produced, so its environmental impact is tied to industrial manufacturing. It is not known to be bioaccumulative or toxic to aquatic life at typical cosmetic use levels.
Good to know
- Zinc Myristate is often used as a safer alternative to talc in powder cosmetics.
- It is considered non-comedogenic and generally safe for acne-prone skin.
Common questions
What is Zinc Myristate in beauty products?
Zinc Myristate is a fine white powder added to makeup and skincare products to make them feel silky and smooth. It helps pressed powders hold together and gives loose powders a luxurious, non-chalky texture. Think of it as a helper ingredient that improves how a product feels on your skin and how well it stays in its compact, but it doesn't treat or change your skin.
What does Zinc Myristate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic formula, Zinc Myristate acts as a binder to hold pressed powder together and as a texture enhancer to create a silky, smooth feel. It also helps other pigments and powders spread evenly on the skin and can increase the opacity of a product, making it more covering.
Is Zinc Myristate safe for most people?
Zinc Myristate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Zinc Myristate?
Those seeking active skincare ingredients (e.g., hydration, antioxidants) should not rely on Zinc Myristate for those benefits
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.