Isopropyl myristate


Isopropyl myristate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It is a colorless and odorless liquid that is a common ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations.

Uses

Isopropyl myristate is a polar emollient and is used in cosmetic and topical pharmaceutical preparations as a penetration enhancer where skin absorption is desired.
It is also used as a treatment for head lice. It is also in flea and tick killing products for pets.
It is used to remove bacteria from the oral cavity as the non-aqueous component of the two-phase mouthwash product "Dentyl pH".
Isopropyl myristate is also used as a solvent in perfume materials, and in the removal process of prosthetic make-up.
Hydrolysis of the ester from isopropyl myristate can liberate the acid and the alcohol. The acid is theorized to be responsible for decreasing of the pH value of formulations.

Adverse effects

Isopropyl myristate is frequently classified as a comedogenic compound and may worsen acne vulgaris and promote the development of open and closed comedones, especially when used in high concentrations. This effect is largely attributed to follicular hyperkeratosis, a process where the compound induces an abnormal accumulation of keratinocytes that forms a plug and causes an obstruction within a hair follicle.