Isopropyl Myristate
Also known as: IPM
What is Isopropyl Myristate?
One of the most widely used synthetic esters in cosmetics, formed from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It's a staple emollient and penetration enhancer.
Why is it used in products?
Formulators use it constantly because it reduces greasiness, improves spreadability, and helps active ingredients absorb into the skin faster.
Why does it clog pores?
Isopropyl myristate is one of the most well-documented comedogenic ingredients, scoring a 5 out of 5 in many comedogenicity studies. Its small molecular size lets it penetrate deep into pores where it creates persistent lipid plugs. It's actually used as the positive control in comedogenicity testing — meaning it's the benchmark other pore-cloggers are compared against.
Commonly found in
- foundations
- lotions
- sunscreens
- antiperspirants
- hair products