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MYRISTYL LACTATE.

Questionable CAS 1323-03-1 / SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Myristyl Lactate is an ester renowned for its significant emollient and skin conditioning capabilities. It works to enhance skin hydration, visibly reduce dryness and flakiness, and refine the overall texture and feel of the skin. This ingredient also contributes to the luxurious spreadability and silky finish of cosmetic formulations.

Emollient Skin Conditioning

Science

This ingredient operates by establishing a protective film on the skin's surface, which effectively seals in moisture, thereby alleviating dryness and flakiness. As a conditioning agent, it actively softens the skin and improves its suppleness. Additionally, it enhances the sensory experience of products by improving their spreadability and imparting a smooth, silky feel. The lactic acid component within the ester may also offer mild skin conditioning and contribute to gentle exfoliation, potentially aiding in the dermal absorption of other compounds.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 1–10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical data indicates that Myristyl Lactate, at concentrations ranging from 1-10%, functions effectively as an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It is shown to improve skin feel and significantly reduce dryness. A concentration of 1-5% is specifically recommended for optimal efficacy in moisturizers and dry skin preparations.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

Myristyl Lactate is typically incorporated into formulations for its functional role as an emollient and skin conditioning agent rather than as a primary active ingredient. Its recommended use levels are consistent with these functional benefits, making 'dusting' at sub-effective concentrations highly unlikely.


The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Myristyl Lactate exhibits good stability under normal storage conditions and is compatible with a wide array of cosmetic formulations, particularly those at a generally neutral pH. It should be safeguarded from excessive heat and moisture to maintain its integrity.

Conflicts

  • Highly comedogenic, which necessitates avoidance by individuals with acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Myristyl Lactate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%, provided the final product pH is 3.5 or greater. For salon products intended for brief, discontinuous use, concentrations up to 30% are safe with a pH of 3.0 or greater. All formulations containing Myristyl Lactate must either be designed to prevent increased sun sensitivity or include instructions for daily sun protection. While Myristyl Lactate itself is not FDA GRAS, several related lactic acid compounds are. Most AHA ingredients are permitted without restriction in the EU, and no specific SCCS opinion was identified for Myristyl Lactate.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity High

Our Assessment

Questionable

While Myristyl Lactate excels at providing emollient and conditioning benefits for dry and normal skin with a low irritancy profile, its classification as highly comedogenic renders it unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin types.


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