Isopropyl myristate

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.

References

References

1. "SAFETY DATA SHEET".
2. (19 August 2019). "Testosterone 2.5% in Isopropyl Myristate 5% Topical Gel".
3. (December 2025). "Comedogenicity in cosmeceuticals: A review of clinical relevance, regulatory gaps, and future directions". JAAD Reviews.
4. "Anti-Lice Treatments".
5. Wen, Z.; Fang, L. and He, Z. (2009). Effect of chemical enhancers on percutaneous absorption of daphnetin in isopropyl myristate vehicle across rat skin in vitro. Drug Deliv, 16: 214-223
6. Engelbrecht, T.; Demé, B.; Dobner, B. and Neubert, R. (2012). Study of the influence of the penetration enhancer isopropyl myristate on the nanostructure of stratum corneum lipid model membranes using neutron diffraction and deuterium labelling. Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 25:200-7