Myristyl Myristate
Also known as Tetradecyl myristate, Myristyl tetradecanoate, 1-tetradecyl tetradecanoate
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Myristyl Myristate (CAS 3234-85-3) is a waxy ester of myristic acid and myristyl alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. The CIR Expert Panel assessed it within the Alkyl Esters group (IJT 34(Suppl.2):5-69, 2015), assigning a qualified-safe (SQ) verdict: safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating; the original 1982 report (JACT 1(4):55-80) was confirmed in 2002 and again under the 2015 group review. A 1984 rabbit ear comedogenicity study (Fulton et al., JAAD 1984; PMID 6229554) named myristyl myristate among isopropyl myristate analogs with comedogenic potential; this is a known concern for acne-prone skin but does not affect systemic safety classification.
Solid wax ester at room temperature providing rich, occlusive emolliency and skin-feel improvement in balms, lipsticks, and creams
Myristic acid ester of myristyl alcohol — both components are naturally occurring fatty acid/alcohol pairs found in nutmeg and coconut-derived ingredients
Assessed safe for cosmetic use by CIR Expert Panel under the Alkyl Esters group assessment:5-69, 2015); original assessment confirmed twice (06/02 and 2015)
Comedogenic potential identified in rabbit ear assay (Fulton et al. 1984, PMID 6229554): listed among isopropyl myristate analogs that may induce comedone formation; relevant for acne-prone skin formulations
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — MYRISTYL MYRISTATE row: Finding=SQ, Detail=safe for use in cosmetics when formulat…
“Myristyl Myristate SQ safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating JACT 1(4):55-80, 1982 confirmed 06/02 IJT 24(S1):63-67, 2005; IJT 34(Suppl.2):5-69, 2015”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 77