Myristic Acid
Also known as Tetradecanoic acid, n-Tetradecanoic acid, C14:0 fatty acid, Crodacid
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Myristic Acid (tetradecanoic acid; CAS 544-63-8; C14H28O2) is a saturated C14 fatty acid naturally occurring in palm kernel oil, coconut oil, butterfat, and human sebum. The CIR Expert Panel assessed it as part of the fatty acids group (Oleic, Lauric, Palmitic, Myristic, Stearic acids) in JACT 6(3):321-401, 1987, finding it safe as used in cosmetics; this was confirmed in 06/2005 and republished in IJT 25(S2), 2006. A 2010 amended CIR safety assessment specifically for myristic acid and its salts and esters (PMID 20634506; IJT 29(4 Suppl):162S-186S) concluded all are safe in current practices of use and concentration. A 2026 RIFM fragrance ingredient safety update (PMID 41352625) found no genotoxicity concerns and confirmed exposures remain below the threshold of toxicological concern across repeated dose, reproductive, and environmental endpoints.
Saturated C14 fatty acid naturally present in coconut and palm kernel oil, and in human sebum and stratum corneum lipids
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used in cosmetics in the group fatty acids assessment:321-401, 1987; reaffirmed 2005); amended ingredient-specific assessment also safe:162-186, 2010)
RIFM 2026 safety update confirms no genotoxicity and no concerns across toxicological endpoints
Functions as emollient, skin-conditioning agent, opacifier, and surfactant in creams, cleansers, soaps, and color cosmetics
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — MYRISTIC ACID row: Finding=S, Citation=JACT 6(3):321-401, 1987 confirmed 06/05 IJT…
“Myristic Acid | S | | JACT 6(3):321-401, 1987 confirmed 06/05 IJT 25(S2), 2006; IJT 29 (S3): 162-186, 2010”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 77