What Is Butylene Glycol Myristate?
Butylene Glycol Myristate is an ester created by joining butylene glycol, a small water-binding alcohol, with myristic acid, a fatty acid usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The resulting molecule, also called 2-Hydroxybutyl tetradecanoate, combines the light feel of a glycol with the softness of a fatty acid, giving formulators a versatile ingredient that bridges water and oil phases.
The cosmetic industry began exploring glycol–fatty acid esters in the late 1970s as brands looked for alternatives to heavier mineral oils. Because Butylene Glycol Myristate offers spreadability without greasiness it quickly found a place in skin care products during the 1980s clean-beauty wave and has remained popular ever since.
Manufacturing involves an esterification step: purified myristic acid reacts with butylene glycol under controlled heat and the presence of an acid catalyst. The mixture is then refined and filtered to yield a clear to pale-yellow liquid or soft solid that is easily incorporated into creams and lotions.
You will most often see Butylene Glycol Myristate in lightweight moisturizers, facial serums, sheet masks, cleansing balms, sunscreen formulations, color cosmetics like foundations, makeup removers and even in some hair conditioners where a non-heavy emollient is desired.
Butylene Glycol Myristate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on this multi-purpose ester for several reasons
- Skin conditioning: Helps the skin feel soft and supple by reducing moisture loss and smoothing rough texture
- Emollient: Adds a silky touch and enhances spreadability so products glide evenly without a greasy after-feel
- Cleansing: Assists in dissolving makeup and excess sebum making rinse-off products more effective yet gentle
- Emulsifying: Stabilizes mixtures of water and oil which keeps creams and lotions from separating and improves shelf life
Who Can Use Butylene Glycol Myristate
Because it feels light yet moisturizing, Butylene Glycol Myristate suits most skin types including oily, combination, normal and mildly dry skin. Those with very dry skin might find it too light to serve as their only emollient while people who know they react to fatty acid derivatives or who are extremely sensitive should introduce it cautiously.
The myristic acid portion is usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil so the ingredient can be produced without animal inputs, making it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians when clearly labeled as plant derived.
No data indicate that Butylene Glycol Myristate poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss all skincare products with a qualified health professional to be extra safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light or make skin more prone to sun damage, so it is not considered photosensitizing. It also plays well with common actives like retinoids, vitamin C and exfoliating acids, allowing formulators to include it in a wide variety of routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Butylene Glycol Myristate can vary. The issues listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild stinging or burning on highly compromised skin
- Temporary redness or flushing in those with very reactive skin
- Itching or a light rash suggesting contact dermatitis
- Clogged pores or breakouts for users who are extremely acne prone
- Rare allergic reaction marked by swelling or hives
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
This low-to-moderate score reflects its structure: the butylene glycol part is non-comedogenic while the myristic fatty acid portion can encourage clogging in very oily skin. Because the two are joined into an ester the overall tendency to block pores drops compared with pure myristic acid, yet it is not completely negligible.
Most people will not notice increased breakouts, but those who are highly acne prone or already dealing with congested pores may prefer to limit or monitor use.
Formulation matters too. Higher levels in rich creams may feel heavier and sit longer on the skin, raising the risk of congestion, whereas small percentages in serums or lotions are less likely to cause issues.
Summary
Butylene Glycol Myristate conditions skin, acts as a silky emollient, helps dissolve makeup in cleansing formulas and stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions. It does this by pairing the water-loving butylene glycol half, which boosts spreadability and moisture binding, with the oil-loving myristic acid half that smooths rough patches and carries away excess sebum.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in modern skincare thanks to its light feel and versatility, though it is not as buzzworthy as some newer esters.
Overall safety is considered high. It is non-sensitizing for most users, vegan friendly when plant sourced and has a low likelihood of severe reactions. As with any new cosmetic, patch testing a fresh product that contains Butylene Glycol Myristate is the best way to confirm personal compatibility.