Myristyl Alcohol

Myristyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived from plant oils or made synthetically for cosmetic formulations, used to soften textures, boost viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and improve spreadability in lotions, creams, and balms.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and helps creams feel smooth.
Category
Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Leaves skin feeling supple and cushioned while helping slow surface water loss, though those prone to breakouts may prefer lighter options due to possible pore congestion.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Often included in moisturizers, body butters, and stick formats like deodorants, as well as some hair-styling creams to improve product feel.

Comedogenic Rating

Myristyl Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

Safety

Generally well tolerated with low irritation potential. It can contribute to congestion for blemish-prone users, so introduce gradually and monitor skin response.

Is Myristyl Alcohol a Good Ingredient?

As a reliable emollient and texture enhancer, it supports a smoother feel and reduced surface water loss, which earns it Good, but its potential to clog pores keeps it from rating higher for acne-prone users.

Products with Myristyl Alcohol

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