Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) 250 g

Lightweight Emollient, Solvent & Spreading Agent for Cosmetic Formulations

Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) is a lightweight cosmetic ester widely used in skincare, personal-care, makeup and selected hair-care formulations.

It is particularly valued for its excellent spreading properties, low viscosity and ability to improve the sensory characteristics of oil-based and emulsified cosmetic products.

IPM can help create formulations with:

• Lightweight skin feel
• Improved spreadability
• Smooth and silky texture
• Reduced greasy sensation
• Better application properties
• Improved oil-phase fluidity
• Softer after-feel

It is especially useful in products where heavier vegetable oils or emollients create an excessively rich or oily sensation.

What Is Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl Myristate is an ester produced from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.

It belongs to the fatty acid ester family and is widely used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulations.

INCI Name: Isopropyl Myristate
Abbreviation: IPM
CAS Number: 110-27-0
Chemical Formula: C17H34O2
Chemical Family: Fatty Acid Ester
Primary Functions: Emollient / Solvent / Spreading Agent

IPM is typically supplied as a clear, colorless, low-viscosity liquid.

Main Cosmetic Functions

Isopropyl Myristate can function as:

• Emollient
• Skin-conditioning ingredient
• Solvent
• Spreading agent
• Oil-phase modifier
• Lubricating ingredient
• Sensory modifier

Its exact function depends on the finished formulation.

Lightweight Emollient

One of the most important characteristics of IPM is its lightweight emollient profile.

Compared with richer vegetable oils, it can help produce a less greasy and more elegant sensory experience.

It is particularly useful when formulators want:

• Faster spreading
• Reduced oily residue
• Smoother application
• Improved slip
• A lighter skin feel

However, the finished product’s sensory characteristics depend on the entire oil phase.

Is Isopropyl Myristate a Moisturizer?

IPM is primarily an emollient, not a humectant.

It does not attract water in the same way as ingredients such as:

• Glycerin
• Sodium PCA
• Betaine
• Panthenol

Instead, IPM helps improve the softness, smoothness and sensory feel of the skin through its emollient properties.

It can contribute to moisturizing formulations when combined with suitable humectants and other skin-conditioning ingredients.

Use in Skincare Products

Isopropyl Myristate can be incorporated into:

• Facial creams
• Body lotions
• Hand creams
• Body oils
• Moisturizing emulsions
• Cleansing oils
• Makeup removers
• After-shave products
• Cosmetic balms

It is especially useful for adjusting the sensory characteristics of oil-rich products.

Use in Creams & Lotions

IPM is commonly used in emulsified skincare products.

It can help improve:

• Spreadability
• Application uniformity
• Product slip
• Oil-phase texture
• Reduced heavy sensation
• Overall cosmetic elegance

It is particularly useful in lightweight creams and lotions designed for comfortable daily application.

Use in Facial Creams

Isopropyl Myristate may be used in facial-care formulations where a light, non-heavy application is desired.

However, the finished product should be evaluated for different skin types.

IPM should not automatically be described as:

• Non-comedogenic
• Suitable for every skin type
• Acne-preventing
• Non-irritating

These properties depend on the complete formula and must be supported by appropriate testing.

Use in Body Oils

IPM can be combined with selected vegetable oils to create lighter-feeling body-oil products.

Possible combinations include:

• Sweet Almond Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Argan Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Safflower Oil
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

It can help reduce the heavy or sticky feel of some oil blends.

Massage Oil Formulations

Isopropyl Myristate may also be incorporated into cosmetic massage oils.

It can help control:

• Slip
• Spreadability
• Lubrication
• Oiliness
• Sensory finish

The ideal concentration depends on the desired massage duration and remaining emollient system.

Use in Makeup Removers

IPM is useful in oil-based cleansing and makeup-removal formulations because of its solvent and emollient properties.

It may be incorporated into:

• Cleansing oils
• Makeup removers
• Oil-based cleansing balms
• Eye-makeup removal formulations, subject to appropriate safety assessment

It can help dissolve and lift certain oil-soluble cosmetic materials.

Is Isopropyl Myristate a Cleansing Surfactant?

No.

IPM is not a conventional surfactant like:

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Decyl Glucoside

It is primarily an oily solvent and emollient.

In cleansing oils, it can help dissolve makeup and oily residues, but a suitable emulsifying system may be needed for effective water rinsing.

Use in Cleansing Oils

IPM can be included in cleansing-oil formulations with compatible ingredients such as:

• Cosmetic esters
• Vegetable oils
• Oil-soluble emollients
• Suitable emulsifiers

A professionally formulated cleansing oil may turn milky when water is added if it contains an appropriate self-emulsifying system.

IPM alone does not provide this effect.

Use in Makeup Products

Isopropyl Myristate may also be used in:

• Foundations
• BB creams
• Concealers
• Makeup primers
• Lip products
• Cream makeup
• Pressed powders

Its functions may include:

• Improved slip
• Better spreading
• Smoother application
• Solvent action
• Improved sensory properties

Use in Pressed Powders

IPM can serve as a lubricating and binding aid in selected pressed-powder formulations.

It may improve the distribution of oil-phase ingredients and contribute to powder compaction.

The exact amount depends on the pigment and binder system.

Use in Hair Care

Isopropyl Myristate can be incorporated into:

• Hair oils
• Hair serums
• Conditioners
• Hair masks
• Styling creams
• Leave-in products

It may improve:

• Product spreadability
• Hair softness
• Shine
• Slip
• Lightweight conditioning feel

It does not permanently repair damaged hair or prevent hair loss.

Use in Hair Serums

IPM may be combined with suitable silicone fluids, cosmetic esters and other conditioning ingredients.

Its low-viscosity character makes it useful for products designed to spread easily through the hair.

The finished serum should be evaluated for:

• Hair feel
• Shine
• Frizz appearance
• Product distribution
• Compatibility
• Stability

Use in Sunscreen Formulations

Isopropyl Myristate can be used as an emollient or solvent in selected sunscreen formulations.

It may help improve:

• Application
• Spreadability
• Oil-phase characteristics
• Sensory feel

However:

Isopropyl Myristate is not a UV filter.

It does not provide SPF, UVA or UVB protection by itself.

Any sunscreen claim requires a suitable permitted UV-filter system and validated finished-product testing.

Isopropyl Myristate as a Solvent

IPM has useful solvent properties for selected lipophilic cosmetic ingredients.

Depending on the formulation, it may help incorporate:

• Oil-soluble ingredients
• Cosmetic dyes
• Fragrance materials
• Selected active ingredients
• Other compatible lipid-phase materials

Solubility must be verified for each ingredient.

Penetration-Enhancing Properties

Isopropyl Myristate is also known for its ability to influence the interaction between certain formulations and the skin.

In some topical systems, it can increase the penetration of other ingredients.

However, this property must be considered carefully.

Increased skin penetration is not automatically beneficial.

It may also increase exposure to ingredients that require controlled delivery.

For this reason, products containing active ingredients should undergo an appropriate safety assessment.

IPM should not be marketed as guaranteeing deeper or faster absorption of every cosmetic active.

Isopropyl Myristate in Soap Making

IPM is not a conventional soap-making base oil.

Traditional cold process soap is produced by reacting triglyceride oils and fats with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide.

Common soap-making oils include:

• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Castor Oil
• Palm Oil
• Other saponifiable vegetable oils and fats

Isopropyl Myristate is a fatty acid ester, but it is not a direct replacement for conventional triglyceride oils in soap-making calculations.

Cold Process Soap

Routine addition of IPM to traditional cold process soap is generally unnecessary.

Under strongly alkaline conditions, ester compounds can undergo hydrolysis or saponification reactions.

This means IPM may not remain chemically unchanged during traditional soap production.

Do not simply add IPM at 1–5% to a cold process soap recipe and assume it will provide the same sensory benefits as in a leave-on cream.

Its use in alkaline soap requires appropriate formulation development and testing.

Melt & Pour Soap

Small experimental amounts may be considered in compatible melt and pour soap bases.

However, additional oil-soluble ingredients may affect:

• Bar hardness
• Transparency
• Lather
• Texture
• Base stability

Always follow the soap-base manufacturer’s recommendations.

Better Applications Than Traditional Soap

The main advantages of IPM are usually more pronounced in products such as:

• Creams
• Lotions
• Cleansing oils
• Makeup removers
• Body oils
• Hair serums
• Cosmetic emulsions

These applications are generally more suitable for showcasing its spreading and sensory properties.

Typical Usage Levels

The actual dosage depends on the commercial grade and product type.

General formulation starting ranges may include:

Creams & Lotions

1–5%

Lightweight Facial Products

1–5%

Body Oils

5–20%

Cleansing Oils & Makeup Removers

5–20%

Makeup Products

1–10%

Hair Serums

1–10%

These ranges are formulation starting points, not universal safety or regulatory limits.

Some commercial grades are recommended over wider ranges.

Always follow the supplier’s Technical Data Sheet and evaluate the final formulation.

How to Use Isopropyl Myristate

IPM is normally incorporated into the oil phase of cosmetic formulations.

A general manufacturing approach is:

1. Weigh the required amount accurately.
2. Prepare the oil-phase ingredients.
3. Add IPM to the compatible oil phase.
4. Mix until homogeneous.
5. Incorporate into the complete formulation according to the manufacturing procedure.
6. Evaluate appearance, viscosity and stability.

For anhydrous formulations, IPM can often be mixed directly with compatible oils and esters.

For water-containing emulsions, a suitable emulsification system is required.

Water Solubility

Isopropyl Myristate is:

Practically Insoluble in Water

It is compatible with many:

• Cosmetic oils
• Esters
• Silicone fluids
• Hydrocarbon emollients
• Oil-soluble fragrance materials

Compatibility should be verified for the actual formulation.

Is IPM an Emulsifier?

No.

Isopropyl Myristate should not be used as a direct replacement for an emulsifier in creams and lotions.

Although it is useful in the oil phase, it does not independently create a stable oil-in-water emulsion.

A suitable emulsifier system is still required.

pH Information

IPM is an essentially anhydrous oily ester.

Therefore, a statement such as:

pH 5.0–7.0

is not meaningful as a general specification for the raw ingredient.

The pH of the complete finished water-containing formulation should be measured separately.

Strong alkaline processing conditions can also affect ester stability.

Isopropyl Myristate vs. Isopropyl Palmitate

Both ingredients are lightweight cosmetic esters.

However, they have different chemical structures and may produce different formulation properties.

Isopropyl Myristate (IPM)

• Ester of myristic acid and isopropyl alcohol
• CAS Number: 110-27-0
• Low-viscosity emollient
• Excellent spreading agent
• Useful solvent for selected lipophilic ingredients
• Popular in cleansing oils and lightweight formulations

Isopropyl Palmitate (IPP)

• Ester of palmitic acid and isopropyl alcohol
• CAS Number: 142-91-6
• Lightweight cosmetic emollient
• Useful spreading and dispersing agent
• Commonly used in creams, lotions and cosmetic oils

IPM and IPP can sometimes be evaluated as alternatives, but they should not automatically be substituted without reformulation and compatibility testing.

Is Isopropyl Myristate Comedogenic?

The effect of IPM on acne-prone skin cannot be determined solely from an ingredient name.

Different laboratory tests and finished-product formulations may produce different results.

For facial cosmetics, especially products marketed toward acne-prone skin, formulators should evaluate the complete finished product.

Do not automatically claim that IPM is non-comedogenic.

Is Isopropyl Myristate Natural?

Isopropyl Myristate is manufactured through the esterification of myristic acid and isopropyl alcohol.

The myristic acid may come from vegetable or other sources, depending on the manufacturer.

Therefore, claims such as:

• 100% Natural
• Fully Plant-Derived
• Vegan Certified
• COSMOS Approved

should only be used when supported by the supplier’s documentation.

Is IPM a Preservative?

No.

IPM is an emollient and solvent, not an antimicrobial preservative.

Water-containing cosmetic products may still require:

• Appropriate preservative system
• Microbiological quality control
• Preservative efficacy testing
• Good Manufacturing Practice

Product Details

Product Name: Isopropyl Myristate
Short Name: IPM
INCI Name: Isopropyl Myristate
CAS Number: 110-27-0
Chemical Formula: C17H34O2
Weight: 250 g
Form: Clear, Colorless Liquid
Chemical Type: Fatty Acid Ester
Primary Functions: Emollient / Solvent / Spreading Agent
Water Solubility: Practically Insoluble
Applications: Skincare, Body Oils, Makeup Removers, Hair Care and Cosmetic Formulations

Purity

Only describe the product as:

100% Pure Isopropyl Myristate

if supported by the actual Certificate of Analysis.

For professional manufacturing, important specifications may include:

• Purity
• Acid value
• Saponification value
• Appearance
• Color
• Moisture content
• Specific gravity
• SDS
• TDS
• COA

Cosmetic Safety

Isopropyl Myristate has been evaluated as a cosmetic ingredient by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.

The ingredient has been considered safe under the evaluated practices of use and concentration.

However, the complete finished product must still be evaluated according to its intended application.

Safety Information

Isopropyl Myristate is supplied as a cosmetic formulation raw material.

During handling:

• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Avoid ingestion.
• Wear suitable gloves when handling large quantities.
• Follow good laboratory hygiene.
• Avoid unnecessary aerosol formation.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Follow the supplier SDS and TDS.

Do not assume that concentrated raw material has the same safety profile as a properly developed finished cosmetic product.

Storage

Store Isopropyl Myristate:

• In tightly closed packaging
• In a cool and dry environment
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from excessive heat
• Protected from contamination

Keep the container closed immediately after dispensing.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We also supply Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, cosmetic esters, emollients, surfactants and other formulation raw materials in wholesale quantities for cosmetic brands, laboratories, manufacturers, retailers and professional formulators.

We provide custom cosmetic formulation development services for products such as creams, lotions, cleansing oils, makeup removers, body oils and hair-care formulations.

These services may include formulation optimization, raw-material selection, manufacturing instructions, technical documentation and performance evaluation.

In addition, private label and contract manufacturing services are available for selected soap, liquid cleansing and personal-care products within our manufacturing capabilities.

Customized products can be developed with different emollient systems, surfactants, botanical ingredients, fragrances, textures, viscosities, packaging formats and private label designs.

For bulk Isopropyl Myristate orders, custom formulation development, private label or contract manufacturing, please contact us with your required quantity, product concept, formulation requirements, packaging format, target market and estimated production volume.