What Is Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3?
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 is a lab-made molecule that joins a small chain of nine amino acids, called Nonapeptide-3, with myristic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut and palm oils. By attaching the peptide to the fatty acid, chemists create a hybrid ingredient that mixes the smoothing feel of lipids with the targeted action of peptides. The idea of linking peptides to fats started gaining ground in the early 2000s when brands looked for ways to help active peptides glide through the skin’s outer layer more easily. Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 soon followed, produced through standard peptide synthesis, then coupled with myristic acid in a controlled reaction. After purification and safety checks it reaches formulators as a fine powder or clear solution. Today it appears in a range of leave-on products such as anti-aging serums, wrinkle creams, eye gels, hydrating lotions, sheet masks and specialty treatments that promise smoother firmer skin.
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care formulas Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 is valued mainly for one performance role.
As a skin conditioning agent it helps the surface of the skin feel softer and look more even. The fatty acid part offers a light emollient touch while the peptide part is believed to support a refreshed appearance, making fine lines seem less obvious over time.
Who Can Use Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3
This ingredient is gentle enough for most skin types. Dry and normal skin may enjoy its light smoothing feel while oily and combination skin can use it because it is not a heavy oil. People with very acne prone skin should watch how their skin reacts since the fatty acid part could in rare cases add to clogged pores if formulas are rich in other oils.
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 is made in a lab from plant sourced myristic acid and a lab built peptide so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No research points to special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used on the skin, yet data is still limited. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product list to a doctor before starting use just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not linked to photosensitivity. It also plays well with most other common skincare actives and works across a wide pH range which gives formulators flexibility.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 vary from person to person. The list below covers potential reactions but most users will not face them when the product is made and used as directed.
Temporary redness or warmth at the application site
Mild stinging or itching in very sensitive skin
Allergic contact dermatitis in those allergic to any peptide or fatty acid components
Breakouts or clogged pores in users who are highly acne prone when the formula is rich in other oils
If any of these effects occur stop use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
The peptide–fatty acid link means only a small portion of the molecule behaves like free myristic acid, which on its own can clog pores. In finished formulas Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 is used at low levels and is usually surrounded by light water-based carriers, so the risk of blocking pores is low. Because of this, most acne-prone users should tolerate it, but highly reactive skin could still notice issues if the overall product is very rich or oily.
Nothing in current safety data suggests the ingredient raises oil production or traps dead cells, which further supports the low score.
Summary
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 is a lab-crafted skin conditioner that pairs a softening fatty acid with a targeted peptide. The fatty acid segment smooths the surface while the peptide segment signals fresher, more even-looking skin, so together they help skin feel silky and look subtly firmer over time.
It is a niche ingredient, appearing mostly in mid to high-end serums and eye treatments rather than mainstream drugstore lines, but its popularity is growing as brands hunt for gentle peptide options.
Current research and industry use show it is generally safe for daily topical use with low irritation and low comedogenic risk. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a small area first to confirm personal tolerance.