Myristyl Myristate
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Ester, Myristic Acid, Glyceryl Myristate, Octyldodecyl Myristate
The ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid | Used as an emollient, occlusive, opacifier, and texture enhancer
At a glance
Things to be aware of
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Myristyl Myristate?
Myristyl myristate is the ester of the fatty alcohol myristyl alcohol and fatty acid myristic acid. The result is a highly versatile cosmetic ingredient that works to enhance texture, improve spreadability, add opacity to creams, serums and lotions, offer skin-softening emollient properties, and offer a non-greasy occlusive finish that helps prevent dehydration. Usage levels in cosmetics range from 1–10% depending on formulary needs such as desired aesthetics. It is considered safe as used in cosmetics.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed March 2021, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/myristyl-myristate/]
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Molecules, November 2020, pages 1–18 [https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/21/4887]
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International Journal of Toxicology, July 2020, pages 162S-186S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1091581815594027]
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Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Volume 1, Number 4, 1982, pages 55–80 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10915818209021261]
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- MYRISTYL MYRISTATE
- EC Number
- 221-787-9
- Function
- Emollient, Opa CI Fying, Skin Conditioning
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