What Is Lauryl Myristate?
Lauryl Myristate, also called dodecyl myristate, is an ester formed when lauryl alcohol is reacted with myristic acid, a fatty acid that occurs naturally in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and nutmeg. The result is a lightweight waxy substance that melts at skin temperature and feels silky on contact.
The cosmetic world began using fatty acid esters like Lauryl Myristate in the late 1960s when formulators looked for safer replacements for heavy mineral oils. Because the raw materials come from renewable plant oils, the ingredient fit the growing demand for more naturally sourced alternatives. Production is straightforward: purified lauryl alcohol is combined with myristic acid under controlled heat in the presence of a catalyst, then the mixture is refined and filtered to remove any impurities. The final material is stable, colorless and nearly odorless, making it easy to add to many types of formulas.
You will spot Lauryl Myristate in a wide range of products. In facial and body moisturizers it gives a soft glide. In hair care such as shampoos, conditioners and styling creams it helps reduce static and improves combability. It also appears in makeup primers, creamy cleansers, sunscreens and soothing after-sun lotions.
Lauryl Myristate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The functions assigned to this ingredient translate into several practical benefits for skin and hair products:
- Antistatic – Coats hair strands with a thin film that lowers surface friction, which helps prevent flyaways and makes hair easier to manage.
- Hair Conditioning – Adds softness and slip so hair feels smoother, looks shinier and detangles with less breakage.
- Skin Conditioning – Forms a light protective layer on the skin that keeps moisture from escaping, leading to a more supple appearance.
- Emollient – Fills in microscopic gaps between skin cells, leaving the surface feeling silky rather than greasy and improving the spreadability of creams and lotions.
Who Can Use Lauryl Myristate
Lauryl Myristate works well for most skin types, including normal, dry and combination skin. Its light texture adds softness without a heavy or greasy feel, so oily or acne-prone users often tolerate it too. People with very sensitive skin should still take note of the ingredient list in case they react to fatty acid esters, but in general Lauryl Myristate is considered gentle.
The ingredient is made from plant-derived fatty alcohol and fatty acid, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used in its standard manufacturing process.
Current data shows no issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Lauryl Myristate is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This information is not medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new products to a routine, just to be sure.
Lauryl Myristate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and does not interfere with sunscreen filters. It blends well with both water-based and oil-based formulas so it shows up in everything from gentle cleansers to long-wear makeup.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Lauryl Myristate vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itchiness in very sensitive individuals
- Rare clogged pores on highly acne-prone skin when used in heavy leave-on products
- Contact dermatitis in people already allergic to fatty alcohols or fatty acid esters
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Lauryl Myristate has a comedogenic rating of 2 on a scale of 0 to 5. Its fatty acid backbone can sit on the skin surface a little longer than lighter emollients but it is still less occlusive than highly comedogenic esters like isopropyl myristate. In most formulations it is used at low to moderate levels so it rarely reaches the concentration that would clog pores in average skin.
Because the rating is on the lower side of moderate this ingredient is generally acceptable for people prone to acne or breakouts, especially in rinse-off products or lightweight leave-ons.
Comedogenicity can rise if the finished product is very rich or combined with other heavier oils so the full formula matters more than the single ingredient.
Summary
Lauryl Myristate acts as an emollient a skin conditioner a hair conditioner and an antistatic agent by melting at skin temperature to form a thin silky film that smooths cuticles locks in moisture and reduces static friction. This plant-derived ester spreads easily improving the feel and glide of creams lotions shampoos and styling products.
It is a background player rather than a headline ingredient but formulators appreciate its light texture renewable origin and compatibility with both water-based and oil-based systems so it shows up in a steady stream of everyday cosmetics.
Safety data classify it as low risk with only rare irritation or pore clogging in very sensitive users. As with any new cosmetic product it is smart to perform a patch test first to confirm personal tolerance.