Good Emollient NOAEL Data Dermal Penetration

Isopropyl Myristate

INCI: ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE

CAS Number
110-27-0
Function
Isopropyl ester of myristic acid (C14:0). Lightweight penetration-enhancing emollient with low viscosity. Functions as emollient, skin-conditioning agent, penetration enhancer, and formulation carrier. Synthetically defined with excellent batch-to-batch consistency versus natural oils. Widely used in rinse-off and leave-on formulations as a carrier for lipophilic actives.
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes CIR reviewed and considered safe at current use concentrations. Penetration-enhancing properties increase skin permeability to co-formulated actives. Comedogenic concern: increases follicular lipid load and can promote microcomedone formation in sensitive/acne-prone individuals. Not preferred in acne-prone formulations. FDA no specific restrictions.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

1 study endpoint found for Isopropyl Myristate. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOEL >1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Isopropyl Myristate, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
8-15%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
270.5 Da
Log P
7.3
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
5-12%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes โ€” absorption varies by formulation

Source: CIR

Expert Verdict

Widely used lightweight penetration-enhancing emollient ester with well-established safety profile (CIR reviewed). Synthetically defined structure provides batch consistency superior to natural oils. Penetration enhancement via disruption of lamellar lipid organization is relevant for active delivery but increases TEWL potential. Key formulation restriction: comedogenic in sensitive/acne-prone individuals due to increased follicular lipid load; avoid or limit in acne-prone skin formulations. Prefer non-comedogenic alternatives for those applications.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

penetration-enhancer comedogenic-risk not-for-acne-prone cir-assessed synthetically-defined eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Isopropyl Myristate safe in cosmetics?

Widely used lightweight penetration-enhancing emollient ester with well-established safety profile (CIR reviewed). Synthetically defined structure provides batch consistency superior to natural oils. Penetration enhancement via disruption of lamellar lipid organization is relevant for active delivery but increases TEWL potential. Key formulation restriction: comedogenic in sensitive/acne-prone individuals due to increased follicular lipid load; avoid or limit in acne-prone skin formulations. Prefer non-comedogenic alternatives for those applications. The EU classifies Isopropyl Myristate as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Isopropyl Myristate allowed in the EU?

Isopropyl Myristate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Isopropyl Myristate do in cosmetics?

Isopropyl Myristate functions as: Isopropyl ester of myristic acid (C14:0). Lightweight penetration-enhancing emollient with low viscosity. Functions as emollient, skin-conditioning agent, penetration enhancer, and formulation carrier. Synthetically defined with excellent batch-to-batch consistency versus natural oils. Widely used in rinse-off and leave-on formulations as a carrier for lipophilic actives.. It is classified as a Emollient in our database. CAS number: 110-27-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Isopropyl Myristate?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Isopropyl Myristate?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Isopropyl Myristate is >1000 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. Source: REACH.

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