Isopropyl Myristate is derived from isopropyl alcohol, the antimicrobial agent used in some hand sanitizers, baby wipes, and antiseptic formulations, and myristic acid, which is a naturally occurring fatty acid often found in coconut oil, nutmeg, and animal fats such as butter—the two elements when they are combined form an exceptional emollient. It has the added benefit of enhancing the penetration of ingredients into the skin. This means that key ingredients in your skincare can penetrate deeply into the skin, working to improve the appearance of the skin.
Isopropyl myristate can help to improve the texture of the products. In formulation, it prevents oil-based ingredients from feeling too greasy or heavy. It is considered comedogenic, meaning that it can create blockages of the pores. Low levels such as the quantity I add to my products, go a long way towards reducing the greasy feeling of oily products and combined with noncomedogenic oils, lower the risk of clogged pores considerably.
**If you have severe inflammation or acne issues, its best to stay away from Isopropyl Myristate entirely until the condition has been corrected.
