What Is Myristyl Glycol?
Myristyl Glycol is a synthetic ingredient officially known by chemists as tetradecane-1,2-diol. It belongs to the family of fatty alcohols and is related to myristic acid, a fatty acid found in nutmeg, coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Manufacturers typically create it through the hydrogenation of myristic acid that has been reacted with ethylene oxide, yielding a waxy, white solid that melts on contact with skin.
Cosmetic chemists first explored fatty alcohols like Myristyl Glycol in the 1950s when the need for smoother, creamier textures in beauty products grew. Its ability to soften skin and improve product feel quickly made it a staple in formulations. Today it appears in moisturizers, hair masks, leave-in conditioners, cleansing balms, rich body butters, styling creams and even foaming facial cleansers, thanks to its texture-enhancing and conditioning qualities.
Myristyl Glycol’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to Myristyl Glycol for several reasons that improve both product performance and user experience:
- Hair conditioning: Coats the hair shaft to reduce frizz, boost softness and add a light sheen, making strands easier to detangle
- Emollient: Creates a smooth, silky feel on skin by filling in microscopic gaps on the surface which helps lock in moisture
- Foam boosting: Stabilizes bubbles in cleansers and shampoos so lather feels richer and rinses more evenly
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens formulas to the ideal creaminess, preventing products from feeling too runny or too dense
Who Can Use Myristyl Glycol
Most skin types can enjoy products containing Myristyl Glycol. Dry and normal skin usually benefit the most because the ingredient’s fatty alcohol structure helps seal in moisture and leaves a silky finish. Combination skin generally tolerates it well too. Those with very oily or highly acne-prone skin might find rich formulas with a high level of fatty alcohols feel a bit heavy so choosing lighter products or patching first can help gauge personal tolerance.
Because Myristyl Glycol is produced synthetically from plant-derived myristic acid and involves no animal by-products it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished product is also free of animal ingredients.
The ingredient has a long record of topical safety and is not known to penetrate deeply so it is generally considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all skincare choices by a physician to be safe.
Myristyl Glycol does not increase photosensitivity and can be worn day or night without affecting your response to sunlight. It is also fragrance-free and non-volatile which makes it unlikely to cause stinging on freshly exfoliated or sensitized skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Myristyl Glycol vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes and, when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels, most people will not experience any problems.
- Mild skin irritation in individuals with existing sensitivities to fatty alcohols
- Contact dermatitis if someone has an allergy to the compound or to another component it is blended with
- Clogged pores or breakouts on very oily or acne-prone skin when used in heavy, occlusive formulas
- Temporary eye irritation if a product containing it accidentally gets into the eyes
- Product buildup on hair leading to a weighed-down feel if shampoos or conditioners rich in Myristyl Glycol are not rinsed thoroughly
If you notice itching, redness, swelling or any discomfort after using a product with Myristyl Glycol stop using it immediately and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Although Myristyl Glycol is a fatty alcohol, its short carbon chain and diol structure make it less likely to lodge firmly inside pores compared with heavier fatty acids or esters like myristyl myristate. In most leave-on or rinse-off products it sits on the skin surface, offering slip and softness without creating a thick occlusive film. For this reason it earns a low-to-moderate score of 2. People who are highly prone to acne may still prefer lighter formulas but many will tolerate it without issues.
Its comedogenic potential can rise when combined with richer waxes and butters so the overall formula matters as much as the single ingredient.
Summary
Myristyl Glycol acts as an emollient, hair conditioner, foam booster and viscosity controller. It smooths skin by filling surface gaps, coats hair to add softness and shine, stabilizes lather in cleansers and tweaks thickness so creams feel just right. While not as famous as glycerin or shea butter it enjoys steady use behind the scenes in moisturizers, hair masks and gentle cleansers because it quietly improves texture and performance.
The ingredient has a long history of safe use, with rare reports of irritation or allergic reaction. It is generally considered low risk for most skin types including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. As with any new cosmetic, try a small patch first to make sure your skin agrees with it.