Product description

Isopropyl myristate, IPM 98 % is a light ester – it is produced by esterification of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid (a fatty acid that can be derived from vegetable oils).
In cosmetics it is used as an emollient and at the same time as a lipophilic solvent/carrier: it reduces the “heavy” greasy feel of the oil phase, improves slip and spreadability, and helps dissolve selected lipophilic components (e.g. fragrance or oil-based actives) into the oil phase.
A typical property of IPM is a drier skin feel and faster absorption compared to heavier vegetable oils, therefore it is often used as a “lightening” component in richer emulsions and oil blends.

Key benefits

• Light emollient – improves slip, spreadability and softens the skin without a heavy film.
• Reduces greasy feel in products with a higher content of oil phase (“dry touch” effect). 
• Lipophilic solvent/carrier – suitable for dissolving oil-based actives and fragrances in the oil phase.
• Improves sensorial properties of creams, body oils and “dry oils” – spreads faster and feels lighter.

Suitable for products such as

• Body oils, dry oils, massage blends (lighter feel and better slip).
• Creams and body milks/lotions with a richer oil phase (reduction of “greasiness”).
• Aftershaves, post-shave products (light emollient film).
• Deodorants/antiperspirants and selected body-care products (improved spreadability).
• Perfume oils and oil-based fragrances (as a lipophilic carrier/solvent).

Use in formulation

• Soluble in: oils, ester emollients and lipophilic components; insoluble in water.
• Miscible with: most of the oil phase (vegetable oils, esters, lipophilic actives); suitable for anhydrous blends as well as emulsions (as part of the oil phase).
• Compatible with: O/W and W/O emulsions (depending on the selected emulsifier and total oil phase); in practice it is used mainly to “lighten” sensorial properties.
• Dosage (approximate): 1–5 % for gentle lightening of an emulsion; 5–20 % in oil blends/dry oils depending on the desired “dry touch” effect and fragrance stability.
• Technological tip: for fragrance, first dissolve the perfume/EO in IPM (oil phase) and only then incorporate into the full oil blend or emulsion – this reduces the risk of cloudiness and improves homogeneity.

Safety and storage

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

FAQ

See also other emollients available from Handymade.sk.