What Is Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate?
Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate is a plant-derived blend made by joining glycerin with myristic acid, then combining the result with rosin acids from pine trees that have been fully hydrogenated to boost stability. The process starts with vegetable oils that supply glycerin and myristic acid. Through controlled heating the two are esterified, creating a creamy, wax-like material. Separately, rosin collected from pine resin is purified and hydrogenated to remove reactive double bonds, making it color stable and less prone to oxidation. The two parts are then blended and filtered to give a smooth ingredient suitable for skin care.
Its cosmetic story began when formulators looked for plant based alternatives to animal fats in the late 1970s. The resin industry already produced hydrogenated rosins for varnishes, so adapting the material for personal care was a natural step. Over time the ingredient gained popularity thanks to its silky feel and reliable performance in a wide range of products.
You will most often find Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate in moisturizers, anti aging creams, facial masks, lipsticks, foundations, sunscreens, body lotions, balms and even some hair conditioners where it adds slip and softness.
Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker improves both how a product feels in the jar and how it performs on the skin.
- Skin Conditioning: Softens and smooths the skin surface by forming a light, flexible film that helps hold water in the upper layers, leaving skin looking fresh and supple
- Emollient: Fills in tiny gaps between dry skin cells, giving formulas a silky glide that makes them easy to spread while reducing rough texture and flakiness without a heavy or greasy after-feel
Who Can Use Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate
Thanks to its light emollient profile this ingredient suits most skin types including dry, normal and combination skin. Oily or acne-prone users usually tolerate it well because it absorbs without leaving a heavy residue, though extremely breakout-prone individuals may prefer to monitor how their skin responds in case the added richness feels too occlusive.
The material is plant derived so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. It contains no animal by-products and is not processed with animal-sourced aids.
No data suggest that topical use poses a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the ingredient list of any product to their doctor to be safe.
Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate is not known to cause photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential, though uncommon, side effects when the ingredient is used topically in a properly formulated product. Most people experience none of these issues.
- Contact irritation presenting as redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Mild allergic dermatitis in individuals with rosin allergies
- Temporary clogged pores for users extremely prone to comedones
If any negative reaction occurs stop use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5
Turning pore-clogging myristic acid into an ester and mixing it with hydrogenated rosinate tames its oiliness, so it behaves more like a lightweight wax than a heavy fatty acid. Most skin types, including many with mild breakouts, handle it without issues, though very acne-prone users could see occasional congestion if the overall formula is rich or used in hot humid weather.
Generally suitable for those prone to acne or breakouts, especially when found in well-balanced formulations.
Extra note: because it is solid at room temperature, high levels might thicken a product and raise the overall comedogenicity of the final blend, so performance depends on the formula as a whole.
Summary
Glyceryl Dimyristate/Hydrogenated Rosinate is a plant-derived emollient that conditions skin by filling micro-gaps and forming a light flexible film that slows water loss. It brings slip and softness without a greasy afterfeel, making it useful in creams, balms, makeup and sunscreens, although it remains more of a behind-the-scenes helper than a headline ingredient.
The safety profile is strong with only rare reports of irritation or clogged pores. As with any new product, patch test before full use to make sure your skin is happy.