What Is Myristyl Laurate?
Myristyl laurate, sometimes listed as tetradecyl laurate, is an ester created by joining myristyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm kernel oil, with lauric acid, another naturally occurring fatty acid. First explored in the 1960s as chemists looked for plant based alternatives to harsher cleansing ingredients, it soon found a place in skin and hair products. The manufacturing process is straightforward: the two raw materials are reacted in the presence of a catalyst, then purified to remove any leftovers, producing a smooth wax like ingredient that melts near body temperature. Because of its smooth feel and mild cleansing action, formulators often add myristyl laurate to creamy facial cleansers, gentle body washes, moisturizing lotions, makeup removers and even conditioning hair masks.
Myristyl Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas myristyl laurate serves a single key purpose, acting as a cleansing agent that lifts away dirt oil and makeup without stripping the skin. Its fatty structure helps it bind to grime while keeping the finished product soft and spreadable, which is why it is favored for mild cleansers designed for daily use.
Who Can Use Myristyl Laurate
Because it is mild and melts at body temperature, myristyl laurate suits most skin types including normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin. People with very oily or acne prone skin may want to monitor how their skin responds since its rich fatty structure could be too occlusive for some and may contribute to clogged pores if used in high concentrations.
The ingredient is sourced from plant materials such as coconut or palm kernel oil, so products using myristyl laurate are typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the rest of the formula is free from animal derived additives.
No studies link topical myristyl laurate to risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare product with a qualified healthcare professional to be extra cautious.
Myristyl laurate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not classed as a photosensitiser. It is also fragrance free and contains no known endocrine disruptors, making it a low concern ingredient for most users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical myristyl laurate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely to occur for the average user when the ingredient is correctly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation – may appear as transient redness, stinging or itchiness especially on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible if an individual is allergic to fatty alcohols or lauric acid derivatives
- Breakouts or pore congestion – can occur on oily or acne prone skin if the formula is heavy or used too frequently
- Eye irritation – possible if a cleanser or makeup remover containing the ingredient gets into the eyes
If any unwanted reaction develops stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 3 / 5
Myristyl laurate has a moderate tendency to sit on the surface of skin and form a lightweight film because it is a fatty ester made from long chain alcohol and lauric acid. This film helps loosen dirt yet can also trap dead skin cells if the overall formula is rich or used too often on oily zones. It is therefore classed as mildly to moderately comedogenic.
People who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts may find it acceptable in low-oil or rinse-off products but could experience congestion if the ingredient appears high on the list of a leave-on formula.
Formulation style matters: when blended with high levels of silicones, waxes or other heavy lipids, the likelihood of clogged pores rises, while lighter emulsions or cleansers that are rinsed away pose less risk.
Summary
Myristyl laurate is mainly valued as a gentle cleansing agent that lifts oils and makeup while lending a smooth glide to creams and washes. Its fatty structure anchors to grime then rinses away, helping products feel creamy rather than harsh.
It enjoys steady but not superstar popularity; formulators reach for it when they need a plant-derived cleanser that melts at body temperature and feels silky yet it appears less often than better known surfactants.
Overall safety is high with low reports of irritation or allergy. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains myristyl laurate before full use.