Ingredient dictionary

Isopropyl Myristate

Also listed as: IPM

Isopropyl Myristate is a light, oil-like ester made from myristic acid and isopropyl alcohol. Its main job is to soften skin and hair and help formulas spread smoothly. It is on the label of 50 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Isopropyl Myristate does

Softens skin and hair
Thins heavy, thick formulas
Helps oil-based ingredients blend

Isopropyl Myristate is made by joining myristic acid, a fatty acid often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, with isopropyl alcohol. The result is a clear, light ester with a faint, mild scent.

Formulators reach for it to thin thick ingredients and help creams spread evenly. It also helps other oil-based ingredients blend into a formula. You will often find it in sunscreens, hand creams, hair masks, conditioners and exfoliants, where it leaves skin or hair soft and smooth without a heavy film.

Good for

Suits people who like lightweight lotions, creams and hair products that absorb quickly without a heavy coat.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Isopropyl Myristate safe for skin?

It is widely used in skincare and is generally well tolerated by most people. Like any ingredient, it can bother someone with a sensitivity, so patch test a new product on a small area first. If irritation happens, stop using it.

Does Isopropyl Myristate clog pores?

Individual reactions vary. Some people with acne-prone skin prefer to avoid oil-like ingredients, while others use it without trouble. Watch how your skin responds over a couple of weeks, and choose a water-based product if you prefer something lighter.