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Skincare Ingredient

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Octyldodecyl Myristate

In Skincare: Is Octyldodecyl Myristate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
4/5 — High risk
Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Octyldodecyl Myristate is a fatty acid ester emollient with higher pore clogging risk, which may trigger acne or folliculitis in acne-prone skin; it is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, though it has a moderate comedogenic rating. Limited safety data is available from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on long-term effects.

Key Benefits

What Octyldodecyl Myristate does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

This ingredient is an ester formed from octyldodecanol and myristic acid, providing emollient properties to help soften and smooth the skin. Octyldodecanol contributes a luxurious texture, while myristic acid is a fatty acid known for its moisturizing benefits. The resulting compound enhances skin feel and provides a protective layer on the skin's surface.
Classifications
Texture Enhancer
Emollient

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid) is a naturally occurring fatty acid present in vegetable and animal fats and oils, with higher concentrations found in nutmeg, palm oil, coconut oil, and butterfat. Myristic acid salts are formed through a reaction with base materials like sodium or potassium hydroxide. Myristate esters, including Octyldodecyl Myristate, are produced by reacting myristic acid with an alcohol. For example, Isopropyl Myristate is derived from myristic acid and isopropyl alcohol, while Butyl Myristate is created using myristic acid and butyl alcohol.

Common Uses

Formulation in Octyldodecyl Myristate

Myristic Acid and its derivatives, including Octyldodecyl Myristate, are utilized in a variety of cosmetic products due to their emollient and emulsifying properties. They can be found in eye makeup, soaps and detergents, hair care products, nail care products, shaving products, and other skin care formulations.

Role of Octyldodecyl Myristate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Skin Softener

Softens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.

Products

containing Octyldodecyl Myristate

356 formulations
Deep Comfort Body Butter
Deep Comfort Body Butter
Clinique · moisturizer
Pure Artemisia Calming Cleansing Oil
Pure Artemisia Calming Cleansing Oil
Hanyul · makeup
Essential Balancing Emulsion
Essential Balancing Emulsion
Sulwhasoo · moisturizer
Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Octyldodecyl Myristate — common questions

What is Octyldodecyl Myristate in skincare?

Octyldodecyl Myristate is a myristate ester. Myristic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in foods like nutmeg, palm oil, coconut oil, and butterfat. Octyldodecyl Myristate is created by reacting myristic acid with a specific alcohol (octadecanol). It exists as a white or yellow-white solid. Salts of myristic acid (such as Aluminum Dimyristate) and other esters of myristic acid are also commonly used in cosmetics.

What does Octyldodecyl Myristate do? / Functions of Octyldodecyl Myristate?

Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Octyldodecyl Myristate? / Is Octyldodecyl Myristate comedogenic?
4 4/5 — High risk

Octyldodecyl Myristate has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5. This ingredient appears to be comedogenic. A rating of 4 means it has high pore-clogging potential.

Does it clog pores?
Likely to Clog Pores

This ingredient appears to be comedogenic (rating 4/5).

Is Octyldodecyl Myristate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Octyldodecyl Myristate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Octyldodecyl Myristate is a fatty acid ester emollient with higher pore clogging risk, which may trigger acne or folliculitis in acne-prone skin; it is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics a

Is Octyldodecyl Myristate good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Octyldodecyl Myristate has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Octyldodecyl Myristate in skincare?

Known considerations: Octyldodecyl Myristate is a fatty acid ester emollient with higher pore clogging risk, which may trigger acne or folliculitis in acne-prone skin; it is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, though it has a moderate comedogenic rating. Limited safety data is available from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) on long-term effects. Additional risks: potential pore-clogging (comedogenic rating 4/5).

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