Beauty Elixir

Synthetic ester

Is Isopropyl Myristate comedogenic?

Comedogenic rating 5/5

Yes, it is pore-clogging.

A penetration-enhancing ester that makes creams feel silky. It is one of the most notorious acne triggers in moisturisers, primers and body lotions.

Comedogenic
5 / 5
Irritancy
3 / 5
Fungal acne
Trigger
Type
Synthetic ester
INCI name
Isopropyl Myristate
Also listed as
Ipm, Myristic Acid Isopropyl Ester

Who should avoid it?

Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.

Non-comedogenic swaps

Swap toRatingFungal acne
Squalane0/5Safe
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride1/5Safe
Dimethicone1/5Safe

Products that contain Isopropyl Myristate

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Frequently asked questions

Is Isopropyl Myristate comedogenic?

Yes, it is pore-clogging. Isopropyl Myristate has a comedogenic rating of 5 out of 5. A penetration-enhancing ester that makes creams feel silky. It is one of the most notorious acne triggers in moisturisers, primers and body lotions.

Is Isopropyl Myristate safe for fungal acne?

No. Isopropyl Myristate can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.

Does Isopropyl Myristate cause acne?

It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.

What are other names for Isopropyl Myristate?

On labels it can also appear as Ipm or Myristic Acid Isopropyl Ester.

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