Myristic Acid
Also known as: Tetradecanoic Acid
What is Myristic Acid?
A 14-carbon saturated fatty acid found abundantly in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and nutmeg butter.
Why is it used in products?
It's used as a cleansing agent in soaps and facial washes, and as an emollient and opacifying agent in creams.
Why does it clog pores?
Myristic acid is one of the most comedogenic fatty acids, scoring high in comedogenicity testing. It solidifies inside pores and creates waxy plugs that block sebum drainage. It's a primary reason why many coconut-derived ingredients are problematic for acne-prone skin.
Commonly found in
- facial cleansers
- soaps
- shaving creams
- moisturizers