Ingredient glossary
Isopropyl Myristate
On your shelf ✓What Isopropyl Myristate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Isopropyl Myristate
In short: Isopropyl Myristate delivers softening and slip, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: may clog acne-prone skin.
- What it does
- Softening, slip
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- May clog acne-prone skin
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
A comfort ingredient, and none the worse for it.
Isopropyl Myristate is here for feel and moisture, softening the skin and slowing water loss. More comfort than correction.
— Maya
What it does
- softening
- slip
moderate evidenceOften flagged in cosmetic acne resources as one of the more comedogenic emollients, especially at higher use levels.
On a label: usually effective at 1-10%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- normal
Approach with care
- acne prone
- fungal acne prone
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: acne prone, fungal acne prone.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- occlusives
Isopropyl Myristate, answered
Is Isopropyl Myristate safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Isopropyl Myristate is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Isopropyl Myristate?
Approach Isopropyl Myristate with care if any of these apply to you: acne prone and fungal acne prone. It carries a high risk of clogging pores, so acne-prone skin should go carefully.
What concentration of Isopropyl Myristate actually works?
Isopropyl Myristate tends to do its job in the 1 to 10% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Does it clog pores?
One of the most pore-clogging emollients in old lab tests.
- This rating comes from old lab tests on the isolated ingredient, not the finished product.
- The full formula, how much is used, and your own skin all matter more than one number.
- If you are acne-prone it is worth noticing, not a reason to avoid it on sight.
Checking a whole product? Paste its list into the pore-clogging checker →
Commonly confused with
- Isopropyl PalmitateTwo near-identical ester emollients. Myristate is the lighter one and rates a little higher for clogging pores.
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