Isopropyl myristate

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Contents

Isopropyl myristate [1]
Isopropyl myristate Isopropyl myristate.png
Isopropyl myristate
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Propan-2-yl tetradecanoate
Other names
Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester
Myristic acid isopropyl ester
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.412 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
EC Number
  • 203-751-4
KEGG
MeSH C008205
PubChem CID
RTECS number
  • XB8600000
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C17H34O2/c1-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-17(18)19-16(2)3/h16H,4-15H2,1-3H3 X mark.svgN
    Key: AXISYYRBXTVTFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N X mark.svgN
  • InChI=1/C17H34O2/c1-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-17(18)19-16(2)3/h16H,4-15H2,1-3H3
    Key: AXISYYRBXTVTFY-UHFFFAOYAN
  • CCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC(C)C
Properties
C17H34O2
Molar mass 270.457 g·mol−1
Density 0.85 g/cm3
Boiling point 167 °C (333 °F; 440 K) at 9 mmHg
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704.svgHealth 0: Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material. E.g. sodium chlorideFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
0
1
0
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
X mark.svgN  verify  (what is  Yes check.svgYX mark.svgN ?)

Isopropyl myristate (IPM) is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It is a colorless and odorless liquid that is a common ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. [2]

Uses

Isopropyl myristate is a polar emollient and is used in cosmetic and topical pharmaceutical preparations as a penetration enhancer where skin absorption is desired. [3]

It is also used as a treatment for head lice. [4] It is also in flea and tick killing products for pets.

It is used to remove bacteria from the oral cavity as the non-aqueous component of the two-phase mouthwash product "Dentyl pH".

Isopropyl myristate is also used as a solvent in perfume materials, and in the removal process of prosthetic make-up.

Hydrolysis of the ester from isopropyl myristate can liberate the acid and the alcohol. The acid is theorized to be responsible for decreasing of the pH value of formulations. [5] [6]

Adverse effects

Isopropyl myristate is frequently classified as a comedogenic compound and may worsen acne vulgaris and promote the development of open and closed comedones, especially when used in high concentrations. This effect is largely attributed to follicular hyperkeratosis, a process where the compound induces an abnormal accumulation of keratinocytes that forms a plug and causes an obstruction within a hair follicle. [3]

References

  1. ↑ "SAFETY DATA SHEET". Fisher Scientific. 22 September 2009. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  2. ↑ Allen, Loyd V. (19 August 2019). "Testosterone 2.5% in Isopropyl Myristate 5% Topical Gel". U.S. Pharmacist. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  3. 1 2 Starzyk T, Aust N, Schur N, Miller R (December 2025). "Comedogenicity in cosmeceuticals: A review of clinical relevance, regulatory gaps, and future directions". JAAD Reviews. 6: 78–83. doi:10.1016/j.jdrv.2025.09.002 . Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  4. ↑ "Anti-Lice Treatments". www.lice.ca. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  5. ↑ Wen, Z.; Fang, L. and He, Z. (2009). Effect of chemical enhancers on percutaneous absorption of daphnetin in isopropyl myristate vehicle across rat skin in vitro. Drug Deliv, 16: 214-223
  6. ↑ Engelbrecht, T.; Demé, B.; Dobner, B. and Neubert, R. (2012). Study of the influence of the penetration enhancer isopropyl myristate on the nanostructure of stratum corneum lipid model membranes using neutron diffraction and deuterium labelling. Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 25:200-7
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