What Is Methyl Myristate?
Methyl Myristate is the methyl ester of myristic acid, a fatty acid first isolated from nutmeg in the late 1800s and studied in ester form by chemists around 1905. Today it is made on an industrial scale by reacting purified myristic acid with methanol under heat and a small amount of catalyst. This process can start from plant oils rich in myristic acid such as coconut or palm kernel oil, so the material can be classed as nature-derived even though the final step happens in a factory.
At room temperature it sits right on the border between a clear oily liquid and a soft waxy solid. If the lab is cool it may look like white flakes that melt as soon as you warm the bottle in your hand. The liquid is colorless and flows easily thanks to a modest density a little below that of water.
In perfumery circles Methyl Myristate is considered a workhorse blending material rather than a prestige showcase ingredient. It turns up in many functional products such as shampoos and detergents and also earns a place in fine fragrance formulas that need a gentle powdery facet. Because the raw materials are plentiful and the production route is straightforward it is generally viewed as an inexpensive option, which helps explain its wide use.
What Does Methyl Myristate Smell Like?
Most perfumers file Methyl Myristate under the powdery family.
On a blotter the first impression is very soft and quiet. You may pick up a faint honeyed sweetness wrapped in a light oily feel, followed by a subtle orris like note that brings to mind the dry side of violet root. Nothing jumps out loudly, yet the blend of these nuances creates a smooth background effect that can round off sharper materials around it.
In the traditional top, middle and base framework Methyl Myristate behaves as a low-volatility base note. It takes a little time to reveal itself, then stays for hours, helping to anchor lighter notes above it. Projection is modest so it will not dominate the air around the wearer, but its staying power on skin or fabric is respectable, often noticeable well past the eight hour mark when supported by other long-lasting ingredients.
How & Where To Use Methyl Myristate
Methyl Myristate is an easygoing material to handle. It pours without fuss when warm, has a mild odor that will not overwhelm the lab and rarely stains glassware. Most perfumers consider it a dependable background player rather than a scene stealer.
Its main job is to add a silky powdery cushion in the base of floral, cosmetic powder, honey or orris accords. When a composition feels a little sharp or hollow a touch of Methyl Myristate can round the edges and stretch the drydown. It is often chosen instead of heavier musks or more expensive orris isolates when cost or regulatory limits rule those out.
Applications range from fine fragrance to functional products because the note is quiet yet persistent. It blends comfortably with violets, mimosa, heliotrope, aldehydes, light musks and gourmand notes that benefit from a creamy waxy undertone. In very clean citrus or marine styles it can feel too fatty so these families usually skip it.
Typical use sits between 0.1 % and 2 % of the concentrate. At a mere trace it imparts a gentle softness that may be sensed more by the nose than named. Push it towards 5 % and the oily honey facet becomes clearer which can either enrich a floral oriental or weigh down a fresh cologne, so dose with intent.
The material is virtually insoluble in water but dissolves quickly in ethanol or DPG. If it has solidified warm the bottle in a hot-water bath or hold it in your hand for a few minutes then weigh it while still liquid. No special stabilisers are required and it plays well with most other ingredients.
Safely Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions to keep both the formulator and the final consumer safe.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution on a blotter rather than sniffing neat material from the bottle.
- Ventilation: blend and evaluate in a well-ventilated space to avoid breathing concentrated vapors.
- Personal protection: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental contact with skin or eyes.
- Health considerations: some people may develop irritation or allergic reactions so limit exposure time and consult a medical professional if pregnant or breastfeeding. Short encounters with low levels are generally safe but high or prolonged exposure can be harmful.
Always refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow any applicable IFRA guidelines on maximum usage levels to ensure your formulas remain compliant and safe for end users.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed well and kept under the right conditions Methyl Myristate remains in good shape for three to five years before any noticeable drop in quality. A simple lab check of color and odor every six months will confirm if the batch is still up to scratch.
Refrigeration is not required but it can stretch the shelf life, especially in hot climates. Otherwise store the bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sun and sources of heat. Temperature swings speed up oxidation so aim for a steady room temperature.
Choose bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These caps grip the neck better than dropper tops which often let air sneak in. Keep each bottle as full as possible by decanting leftovers into smaller containers. Less headspace means less oxygen to dull the scent over time.
Label every container clearly with the name Methyl Myristate, the date it was first opened and any key safety notices such as “wear gloves” or “avoid eye contact.” Good labeling spares confusion if several similar looking esters sit on the same shelf.
For disposal small lab amounts can go into an absorbent material like vermiculite then in the chemical waste bin according to local rules. Do not pour unused concentrate down the sink because it is insoluble in water and may clog drains. Although fatty acid esters are generally biodegradable they still need correct handling to protect waterways. Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol before recycling the glass where facilities allow.
Summary
Methyl Myristate is a simple fatty acid ester that brings a faint oily honey and orris vibe to a formula. It works best as a soft powdery base note that smooths sharp edges and extends wear time in everything from fine fragrance to shampoo.
The material is inexpensive, easy to blend and stable when kept cool and sealed so it often shows up in everyday products. Perfumers like it because a dash can lift floral, cosmetic powder, honey or gourmand accords without stealing the spotlight.
Add sensible storage, clear labeling and mindful disposal to the routine and you will find Methyl Myristate a fun reliable tool that punches above its price in the aroma chemical kit.