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Isopropyl Myristate

What Isopropyl Myristate is & what it does

A fast-absorbing emollient ester that softens skin and boosts the spread of a formula, leaving a smooth, dry feel. It penetrates readily, which can make it pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.

What is Isopropyl Myristate and what does it do in sunscreen?

It is a fast-absorbing emollient ester. In a sunscreen it softens the skin and improves spread, helping the product glide on and sink in to a smooth, dry, non-greasy finish. It penetrates readily, which is what gives that light feel but is also why it can be a problem for acne-prone skin.

Is Isopropyl Myristate safe?

Yes. It is a widely used cosmetic emollient considered safe at the levels found in skincare and sunscreen, and it works mainly on the skin surface and upper layers. The main practical caveat is not toxicity but its tendency to clog pores on breakout-prone skin. People prone to acne may want to choose lighter, non-comedogenic emollients instead.

Does Isopropyl Myristate clog pores?

Yes, it can. We flag Isopropyl Myristate as highly comedogenic, one of the classic pore-clogging ingredients. Because it penetrates so readily and is rich, it is a notable culprit for breakouts on acne-prone skin and is often singled out in comedogenicity lists. Skin that does not break out easily usually tolerates it fine.

Is Isopropyl Myristate fungal-acne safe?

No. It is a fatty ester (built on myristic acid) that the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can feed on, so it is an ingredient to avoid if you are managing fungal acne. On top of that it is highly comedogenic, so breakout-prone skin has two reasons to be cautious. For everyone else it is harmless and just acts as a light emollient.

What else is Isopropyl Myristate called?

Isopropyl Myristate is the INCI name printed on the label, and it is sometimes abbreviated to IPM in formulation contexts. Chemically it is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, a fatty acid. You will usually see it listed among the emollients and texture ingredients rather than the actives.

Sunscreens with Isopropyl Myristate

We rate 356 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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