What Is Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate?
Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C created when myristic acid, a fatty acid commonly sourced from coconut or palm kernels, reacts with glyceryl ascorbate. The result is a diester that combines the antioxidant punch of ascorbic acid with the silky feel of plant-derived lipids. This pairing helps the vitamin stay stable and glide smoothly across the skin.
The path from raw materials to finished ingredient starts with isolating myristic acid from natural oils, then purifying ascorbic acid produced by fermentation of corn or sugar beets. Chemists attach two myristic acid molecules to glyceryl ascorbate through esterification, a controlled heating process that links them without breaking the fragile vitamin core. The finished ingredient appears as an off-white powder or waxy solid that melts easily into oils, creams and balms.
Interest in lipid-based vitamin C grew in the late 1990s when formulators searched for ways to protect the vitamin from air and light. Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate earned attention for staying potent longer than water-soluble forms and for blending effortlessly into oil-rich skincare. Today you will find it in facial moisturizers, anti-aging serums, brightening masks, eye creams and sun care boosters where lasting antioxidant support is key.
Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multitasking ingredient improves a formula and, in turn, your skin
- Antioxidant: Helps neutralize free radicals created by UV rays and pollution which can dull skin tone and speed up visible aging. By limiting oxidative stress it supports a brighter, more even appearance
- Humectant: Attracts and binds water to the outer skin layers. This moisture pull keeps skin feeling soft and reduces the look of fine lines caused by dehydration
- Skin Conditioning: Adds a smooth, emollient finish that makes creams feel richer without greasiness. Regular use can help strengthen the skin barrier so it stays comfortable and resilient
Who Can Use Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate
This lipid-based vitamin C suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and even sensitive skin thanks to its gentle, nonacidic nature. Oily or acne-prone users generally tolerate it as well because the ingredient itself is lightweight and has a low clogging tendency, though the finished formula’s overall oil load still matters.
Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate is typically sourced from coconuts or palm kernels and from corn or sugar beets, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the final product contains no animal-derived additives.
There is no evidence that the ingredient poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any skincare product to a medical professional before use just to be safe.
The molecule does not cause photosensitivity and can actually bolster daytime protection when paired with sunscreen. It is also fragrance-free and gluten-free by nature, making it a flexible choice for people with those concerns.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential but uncommon side effects when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product. Most users will not experience any of these issues.
- Temporary stinging or warmth particularly if skin is already irritated or the formula is applied to freshly exfoliated areas
- Mild redness or rash in those with very sensitive skin or an underlying allergy to coconut or palm derivatives
- Breakouts or clogged pores if the finished product contains other heavy oils that do not agree with oily skin types
- Product discoloration over time which signals oxidation and may coincide with reduced effectiveness rather than a direct skin reaction
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate carries only a single myristic acid chain per vitamin C unit and is locked into an ester that the skin’s surface enzymes break down slowly. This keeps the molecule lightweight and less likely to block pores compared with free myristic acid or heavy plant butters. Most lab and consumer reports show little to no increase in comedones when it is used at typical skincare levels of 0.5-2 %. As a result it is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Because a formula’s overall oil blend matters more than any one ingredient, highly occlusive companions like mineral oil or thick waxes can still tip a product toward pore clogging even when Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate itself is low risk.
Summary
Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate delivers three key perks: it shields skin from free radicals, pulls in water for lasting hydration, and lends a smooth emollient finish that supports the barrier. Its fat-soluble design lets it nestle into the skin’s lipid layers where it can remain stable and active longer than water-based vitamin C.
The ingredient sits in a sweet spot of being effective yet under-the-radar. You will see it in a modest but growing number of moisturizers, brightening serums and sunscreen boosters as brands look for gentler vitamin C options.
Safety data and user feedback point to a low irritation profile with a rare chance of clogged pores or allergy. Even so every formula is different. It is always smart to patch test any new product containing Dimyristoyl Glyceryl Ascorbate before applying it to the entire face.