What Is Myreth-3 Caprate?
Myreth-3 Caprate is an ethoxylated fatty ester created by linking a short chain of three ethylene oxide units to myristyl alcohol, then esterifying the result with capric acid. The fatty alcohol can be sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, though fully synthetic routes also exist. The finished material looks like a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends easily with oils and most cosmetic bases.
Chemists began adding ethoxylated fatty esters to skincare in the late 1970s when they were looking for light emollients that spread well without leaving a heavy film. Myreth-3 Caprate quickly stood out because its small ethoxylated “tail” gives it just enough water friendliness to help formulas feel silky yet non greasy on the skin.
Manufacturing involves two main steps. First, myristyl alcohol reacts with a controlled amount of ethylene oxide to yield Myreth-3 (the “3” signals the average number of oxide units). This intermediate is then reacted with capric acid in the presence of a catalyst to form the final ester. Strict purification removes any unreacted materials so the ingredient meets cosmetic safety standards.
You will most often find Myreth-3 Caprate in face creams, body lotions, sunscreens, leave-on hair conditioners, sheet masks and many anti aging serums where it helps give a smooth touch and balanced moisture.
Myreth-3 Caprate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient for its ability to boost texture and support skin feel in many personal care products.
- Skin Conditioning: Helps soften and smooth the skin surface so it feels supple and looks healthier after application
- Emollient: Creates a thin protective layer that traps moisture, reduces dryness and gives creams and lotions a pleasantly light slip
Who Can Use Myreth-3 Caprate
Because it is a light, non greasy emollient Myreth-3 Caprate suits most skin types, including normal, dry and combination. People with very oily or easily congested skin usually tolerate it too since the molecule is small and has a low tendency to clog pores, though extremely acne-prone users may prefer to monitor how their skin responds.
The ingredient can be sourced from coconut or palm oils or made fully in the lab, so it can be produced without any animal material. Most mainstream suppliers label it vegan friendly, but strict vegans and vegetarians should still check that the finished product carries clear cruelty-free or vegan certification.
No data shows that topical Myreth-3 Caprate poses a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a healthcare provider to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, and it works well in both day and night formulas without raising photosensitivity concerns.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Myreth-3 Caprate vary from person to person. The effects below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished cosmetic product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Contact allergy that can present as small bumps and swelling
- Temporary eye stinging if a product containing it accidentally gets into the eyes
- Clogged pores or breakouts in users who are highly acne prone
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myreth-3 Caprate is a lightweight ester with a small molecular size and a modest polarity from its short ethoxylated chain. These traits let it spread thinly and rinse away more easily than heavier oils, so it has little tendency to sit in pores and harden. Published ingredient databases and formulator feedback list it at the low end of the scale, hence the score of 1. In practical terms most acne-prone users tolerate it well, though exceptionally sensitive or severely congested skin might still react if the overall formula is rich or occlusive.
Because it balances oil-loving and water-loving parts, it can even help reduce the greasiness of thicker emollients when blended with them, which indirectly supports clearer pores.
Summary
Myreth-3 Caprate acts mainly as a skin-conditioning emollient. It smooths the surface by filling in microscopic gaps between skin cells and leaves a light, velvety feel while creating a breathable film that slows water loss. Its short ethoxylated segment gives just enough water affinity to boost spreadability and help other lipids disperse evenly, which improves the overall texture of creams, lotions and serums.
Although not as famous as silicones or classic plant oils, this ester enjoys steady use in modern formulas that aim for a silky, non greasy finish. You will spot it most in mid to high-end moisturizers, sunscreens and leave-on hair care where a light touch is prized.
Safety reviews and decades of cosmetic use show a very low risk of irritation or sensitization at typical use levels. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product containing Myreth-3 Caprate before applying it to larger areas.