Ingredient glossary
Myristyl Myristate
On your shelf ✓What Myristyl Myristate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Myristyl Myristate
In short: Myristyl Myristate delivers softening and occlusive support, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: may clog acne-prone skin.
- What it does
- Softening, occlusive support
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- May clog acne-prone skin
- Evidence
- Moderate
- How long
- Straight away
The molecule
The Glow take
A comfort ingredient, and none the worse for it.
Myristyl Myristate is here for feel and moisture, softening the skin and slowing water loss. More comfort than correction.
— Maya
What it does
- softening
- occlusive support
moderate evidenceKnown as a heavier emollient that improves richness but may be comedogenic for acne-prone users at high levels.
On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- normal
Approach with care
- acne prone
- oily
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilyTake care
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: acne prone.
Where it fits in your routine
This one works on contact — there is nothing to wait for.
What that covers, and what it does not
Measured on: Occlusive cushioning and reduced water loss on application, from a saturated wax ester film.
A solid wax ester of C14 acid and C14 alcohol with no polar head; the film it leaves retards evaporation and changes surface feel from the moment it is applied, the same physics as any occlusive. Used at 1-5% in richer creams. The outcome that does have a timeline is the negative one -- it rates 5 for comedogenicity, and comedone formation takes weeks of repeated occlusion, not one application -- but no controlled human study times that either.
No efficacy-timing trial identified. Ingredient physical chemistry (saturated wax ester film); CIR alkyl ester safety assessments cover safety and comedogenicity references, not onset.
Plays well with
- humectants
- occlusives
Myristyl Myristate, answered
Is Myristyl Myristate safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Myristyl Myristate is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Myristyl Myristate?
Approach Myristyl Myristate with care if any of these apply to you: acne prone and oily. It carries a high risk of clogging pores, so acne-prone skin should go carefully.
What concentration of Myristyl Myristate actually works?
Myristyl Myristate tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Does it clog pores?
A waxy ester at the top of the published scale.
- This rating comes from old lab tests on the isolated ingredient, not the finished product.
- The full formula, how much is used, and your own skin all matter more than one number.
- If you are acne-prone it is worth noticing, not a reason to avoid it on sight.
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