Product description

Isopropyl myristate, IPM 98% is a light ester - it is formed by esterification of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid (a fatty acid that can come from vegetable oils).
In cosmetics, it is used as both an emollient and a lipophilic solvent/carrier: it reduces the "heavy" oily feel of the oil phase, improves slip and spreadability, and helps dissolve selected lipophilic ingredients (e.g., perfumes or oil actives) into the oil phase.
A typical characteristic of IPM is a drier skin feel and faster absorption compared to heavier vegetable oils, which is why it is also often used as a "lightening" ingredient in richer emulsions and oil blends.

Key benefits

• Lightweight emollient - improves slip, spreadability and softens the skin without a heavy film.
• Reduces greasy feel in products with a higher oil phase ("dry touch" effect).
• Lipophilic solvent/carrier - suitable for dissolving oil-phase actives and perfumes.
• Enhances the sensoriality of creams, body oils and "dry oils" - spreads faster, acts lighter.

Suitable for products such as

• Body oils, dry oils, massage blends (lighter feel and better glide).
• Creams and body lotions with a richer oil phase (reducing "greasiness").
• Aftershave, after-shave products (light emollient film).
• Deodorants/antiperspirants and selected body products (improved spreading).
• Perfume oils and oil-based perfumes (as lipophilic carrier/solvent).

Use in formulation

• Soluble in: oils, ester emollients and lipophilic ingredients; insoluble in water.
• Miscible with: most oil phases (vegetable oils, esters, lipophilic actives); suitable for anhydrous mixtures and emulsions (as part of the oil phase).
• Compatible with: both O/V and W/O emulsions (depending on the emulsifier chosen and the total oil phase); in practice it is mainly used for "lightening" sensory.
• Dosage (indicative): 1-5 % for fine lightening of emulsions; 5-20 % in oil blends/dry oils according to the desired 'dry touch' effect and stability of perfuming.
• Technology tip: when perfuming, dissolve the perfume/EO in the IPM (oil phase) first and then incorporate into the whole oil blend or emulsion - reduces the risk of cloudiness and improves homogeneity.

Safety and storage

• For cosmetic use; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• For sensitive or acne-prone skin, choose a conservative dosage and test for tolerance in the final product.
• Store in closed dark containers, in a dry and ventilated place, protect from direct sunlight; storage at temperatures below 20 °C is recommended.
• Observe normal hygiene principles when working with raw materials and use clean tools to avoid contamination.

FAQ

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