Myristyl Lactate
What is Myristyl Lactate?
An ester of myristyl alcohol and lactic acid, combining moisturizing and mild exfoliating properties.
Why is it used in products?
It acts as an emollient that also provides gentle exfoliation from the lactic acid component, popular in smoothing formulations.
Why does it clog pores?
Myristyl lactate is rated as highly comedogenic in dermatological testing. Its myristyl chain penetrates into pore openings and forms lipid plugs, while the lactic acid portion can irritate the follicular lining. This combination of physical blockage and chemical irritation makes it especially acnegenic.
Commonly found in
- moisturizers
- body lotions
- exfoliating creams