Isopropyl myristate (IPM, CAS 110-27-0) is the isopropyl ester of myristic acid – a colourless to slightly yellow oily liquid used as an emollient, spreading agent and carrier in skin care, colour cosmetics, sun care and topical pharmaceutical formulations. It is a light, non-greasy ester that spreads easily and leaves a dry rather than oily after-feel, which is why it appears in so many cosmetic emulsions.
Specification
| Parameter | Limit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless or slightly yellow oily liquid | Colour is the first visible sign of oxidation or poor refining |
| Ester content | Min 98% | The main purity figure – the balance is unreacted alcohol, acid and mono/diglyceride-type by-products |
| Acid value | Max 0.5 mg KOH/g | Free fatty acid from incomplete esterification or hydrolysis in storage; also predicts odour and skin-compatibility complaints |
| Colour (Hazen) | Max 30 | Colour of the neat ester, which matters in a white or pale formulation |
| Refractive index (20 deg C) | 1.434 – 1.438 | Identity check – a chain-length mix-up shows here before it shows anywhere else |
| Specific gravity (20 deg C) | 0.850 – 0.855 | Identity and consistency; also used for volume-to-mass conversion in production |
What the molecule is
| Property | Value | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical name | Isopropyl tetradecanoate (isopropyl myristate) | A saturated C14 fatty acid esterified with isopropanol |
| Formula / molecular weight | C17H34O2 / 270.45 | Small, highly lipophilic molecule – it penetrates and spreads rather than sitting on the surface |
| INCI name | Isopropyl Myristate | The label name used across cosmetic markets |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; miscible with ethanol, isopropanol, mineral oil and most cosmetic esters | Oil-phase ingredient; no emulsifier needed for oil solubility |
| Polarity | Very low | Compatible with silicones and hydrocarbons, less so with highly polar oils |
Functions in formulation
- Emollient – softens and smooths the skin surface by filling the spaces between corneocytes, without the heaviness of mineral oil.
- Spreading agent – lowers the viscosity of the oil phase and helps the product distribute evenly over skin, which is why it appears in sunscreens and body lotions.
- Penetration enhancer – increases the partitioning of actives into the stratum corneum, a property used deliberately in topical drug delivery.
- Carrier and diluent – dissolves oil-soluble actives, colourants and UV filters, and adjusts the skin feel of the oil phase.
- Binder and lubricant – in pressed powders and in some industrial applications.
Typical applications
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Skin care | Emollient in lotions, creams and body oils; reduces greasiness in rich formulations |
| Sun care | Spreading and solubilising agent for UV filters; improves uniformity of the film |
| Colour cosmetics | Binder and emollient in lipsticks, foundations and pressed powders |
| Hair care | Conditioning ester and lubricant in leave-on products |
| Topical pharmaceuticals | Vehicle and penetration enhancer in creams, gels and transdermal systems |
| Industrial | Lubricant and oil-phase component where a light synthetic ester is wanted |
Packaging, storage and documentation
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Packaging | 175 kg drums and IBC on request; smaller packs available |
| Storage | Sealed, cool, out of direct sunlight. Although IPM is a saturated ester, the acid value rises on prolonged storage – keep containers closed and avoid heat |
| Documentation | Batch COA (ester content, acid value, colour, refractive index, specific gravity) plus SDS and a cosmetic-grade statement |
| Regulatory | Listed cosmetic ingredient; confirm the declaration your market requires before labelling |
For the technical background and grade selection, see the isopropyl myristate technical guide and the comparison against other emollient esters.
