Ingredient glossary

Myristyl Myristate

What Myristyl Myristate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.

INCI: Myristyl Myristate

Decent support

In short: Myristyl Myristate delivers softening and occlusive support, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: may clog acne-prone skin.

What it does
Softening, occlusive support
Best for
Most skin types
Watch out
May clog acne-prone skin
Evidence
Moderate
Does it clash with what you use? Check it →

The molecule

Tap to enlarge
Chemical structure of Myristyl Myristate (Myristyl Myristate)

The Glow take

A comfort ingredient, and none the worse for it.

Myristyl Myristate is here for feel and moisture, softening the skin and slowing water loss. More comfort than correction.

— Maya

What it does

  • softening
  • occlusive support

moderate evidenceKnown as a heavier emollient that improves richness but may be comedogenic for acne-prone users at high levels.

On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • dry
  • normal

Approach with care

  • acne prone
  • oily
  • Irritation riskLow

How it fits each skin type

  • DrySuits
  • CombinationSuits
  • OilyTake care
  • SensitiveSuits

Take extra care if any of these apply to you: acne prone.

Where it fits in your routine

WhenMorning and evening
Where in the orderAfter your actives, to seal everything in

Plays well with

  • humectants
  • occlusives

Myristyl Myristate, answered

Is Myristyl Myristate safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Myristyl 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 Myristyl Myristate?

Approach Myristyl Myristate with care if any of these apply to you: acne prone and oily. It carries a moderate risk of clogging pores, so acne-prone skin should go carefully.

What concentration of Myristyl Myristate actually works?

Myristyl Myristate tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.

Does it clog pores?

5/5
High

A waxy ester at the top of the published scale.

  • 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.

This, for every label you own

One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.

Decode my products →

Sources & how we reviewed this

Last reviewed July 2026. Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.