What Is Myristyl Alaninate?
Myristyl Alaninate is the cosmetic name for tetradecyl 2-aminopropanoate, an ester formed when myristyl alcohol, a 14-carbon fatty alcohol, reacts with the amino acid alanine. The resulting molecule has both a fatty tail and a water-friendly head, giving it useful surface-active properties. Although the building blocks come from nature, commercial supplies are usually produced in a lab through a controlled esterification process that combines purified myristyl alcohol with alanine in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by neutralization and purification.
The ingredient began appearing in personal care formulations in the late 1990s when chemists were looking for gentler alternatives to traditional fatty alcohols. Its balanced structure offered better skin feel, so it quickly gained traction in leave-on products. Today you will find Myristyl Alaninate in lightweight facial moisturizers, anti-aging creams, sunscreen lotions, hair conditioners, makeup primers and sheet masks, where it boosts texture, spreadability and conditioning performance.
Myristyl Alaninate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what Myristyl Alaninate brings to a formula:
- Emulsion stabilising – Helps oil and water stay mixed so creams and lotions remain smooth over time, reducing the need for heavy waxes and improving shelf life
- Hair conditioning – Deposits a light, non-greasy film on hair strands that enhances softness, adds slip for easier combing and reduces static
- Skin conditioning – Leaves a velvety finish on the skin, boosts hydration by slowing water loss and improves overall sensory feel without clogging pores
Who Can Use Myristyl Alaninate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types including dry, normal, combination and sensitive because it delivers lightweight moisture without leaving a heavy residue. Those with very oily or severely acne-prone skin may prefer to monitor how their complexion responds since any fatty ester has a small chance of feeling too rich on some individuals.
Commercial grades of Myristyl Alaninate are usually made from plant-derived myristyl alcohol and bio-fermented alanine, which means they are suitable for vegans and vegetarians when the supplier confirms a non-animal origin.
No data links Myristyl Alaninate to reproductive risk. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can typically use products containing it, yet this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should discuss all personal care products with a qualified doctor to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free and non-volatile, making it a calm choice for leave-on and rinse-off formulas alike.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Myristyl Alaninate differ from one person to another. The points below outline potential issues only; most consumers will not encounter them when using a properly formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching on very sensitive skin
- Contact allergy in users already sensitised to fatty alcohol derivatives
- Temporary acneiform bumps if the product is layered too heavily on blemish-prone areas
- Eye stinging or watering if the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes
- Enhanced penetration of strong actives in the same formula which could intensify their irritation potential
If any adverse reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Myristyl Alaninate is an amino acid ester rather than a straight fatty alcohol, so it has a lighter, more silky finish that sits on the surface without packing densely into pores. Its branched structure limits the ability of the molecule to crystallise inside follicles, which is a common trigger for comedones. Most laboratory panel tests classify it as practically non-comedogenic at typical use levels of 1-4 % in leave-on products.
Because of this low score, it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, provided the overall formula is oil balanced.
Keep in mind that comedogenicity can climb if the ingredient is used at very high percentages or layered under heavy occlusives, so product context matters.
Summary
Myristyl Alaninate works as an emulsion stabiliser, skin conditioner and hair conditioner. Its dual nature, with a fatty tail for slip and a water-friendly head for compatibility with aqueous phases, lets it sit at the oil-water interface where it reinforces emulsions and improves spreadability. On skin it forms a micro-thin film that slows moisture loss, leaving a soft, velvety afterfeel. On hair it smooths the cuticle and reduces static, making detangling easier.
While not a headline ingredient, it appears in a steady stream of modern moisturisers, sunscreens and lightweight conditioners because formulators value its silky touch and plant-derived story.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation or sensitisation for most users. Nonetheless every complexion is different, so it is wise to patch test a new product containing Myristyl Alaninate before full-face or full-scalp use.