What Is Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate?
Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate is a specialty ester created by joining ditrimethylolpropane, a branching alcohol, with a mix of myristic and stearic fatty acids that come from plant oils such as coconut or palm. The result is a smooth wax-like ingredient that melts near skin temperature and spreads easily.
Esters like this one have been part of cosmetics since the 1970s, when formulators started searching for alternatives to mineral oil and heavy waxes. By tweaking alcohols and fatty acids chemists found they could build lighter textures that still lock in moisture. Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate gained popularity because its four fatty “arms” give it a rich feel without the greasy residue older ingredients left behind.
Production begins with refining vegetable oils to isolate myristic and stearic acids. These acids are purified then reacted with ditrimethylolpropane under controlled heat and vacuum. The finished ester is filtered, cooled into flakes or pellets, and shipped to labs worldwide.
You will most often see this ingredient in moisturizers, night creams, balm cleansers, solid stick products, lip care, body butters, makeup primers, and anti-aging masks where a velvety finish is desired.
Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ester because it performs more than one helpful job in a single ingredient
- Skin conditioning: It forms a thin protective film that softens rough patches, smooths flaky spots, and helps skin feel supple for hours
- Emollient: Its silky texture fills in tiny gaps between skin cells to reduce water loss, leaving the surface plush and comfortable while improving the glide of creams and balms
Who Can Use Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate
This silky ester is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Dry or mature skin tends to appreciate its moisture-sealing film the most, while normal and combination skin can enjoy the smooth feel without heaviness when the overall formula is balanced. Oily or acne-prone users may find richer products containing large amounts of this ester feel too occlusive if layered heavily, so lighter textures or lower concentrations are preferable in that case.
Because the fatty acids used to make Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate are usually sourced from coconut or palm oil, the ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Anyone seeking fully plant-based skincare should still confirm that no animal-derived waxes or additives appear elsewhere in the finished product.
No data indicate specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when this ingredient is applied topically, but this is not medical advice. Expectant or nursing parents should review any skincare product with their doctor to be extra safe.
Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common actives like retinoids or vitamin C because it is chemically stable and non-reactive.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any topical ingredient differ from person to person. The points below outline possible side effects that could occur, though they are uncommon when the product is formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or irritation
- Transient stinging in very sensitive or compromised skin
- Clogged pores or breakouts in individuals highly prone to acne when used in high concentrations or layered thickly
- Allergic contact dermatitis if an individual is specifically allergic to one of the fatty acid sources
If any discomfort, rash or breakout develops while using this ingredient or a product containing it, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5. While the ester uses myristic and stearic fatty acids that can be pore clogging on their own, chemically binding them to ditrimethylolpropane creates a bulkier molecule that is less likely to lodge inside follicles. Most people, including those with combination skin, tolerate it without new blemishes, yet very oily or highly acne-prone users might notice congestion if the finished product contains the ester at high levels or sits on the skin in a thick layer. Formulation style matters: lightweight lotions with under 5 % of the ester tend to cause fewer issues than rich balms or sticks.
Summary
Ditrimethylolpropane Myristate/Stearate acts mainly as a skin-conditioning emollient. Its four fatty arms melt near body temperature to fill microscopic gaps between cells, trap moisture and leave a velvety finish that helps creams and balms glide smoothly. Although not as famous as shea butter or squalane, it sees steady use in niche products like solid cleansers, primer sticks and high-end night creams because it gives a plush feel without heavy grease. Overall safety data show very low irritation rates and no systemic concerns, so most people can enjoy it confidently, but as with any new ingredient a quick patch test is smart before applying a full-face layer.