Isopropyl myristate

• BPIsopropyl Myristate
• Ph. Eur.Isopropyl Myristate
• USP–NFIsopropyl Myristate

Crodamol IPM; Estol IPM; IPM; isopropyl tetradecanoate; Kessco IPM; 1-methylethyl tetradecanoate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; Tegosoft M

1-Methylethyl tetradecanoate · [110-27-0]

UNII 0RE8K4LNJS · PubChem CID 8042

C17H34O2 · 270.45

Semi-solid base, emollient, Penetration enhancer

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Semi-solid

A non-greasy emollient and oily vehicle used in creams, lotions, ointments, bath oils and topical aerosols, usually at about 1–10% w/w in creams and lotions and at much higher levels in sprays and oils. It improves spreading and skin feel, acts as a penetration enhancer in topical and transdermal products, and serves as a solvent for lipophilic drugs. Sterile isopropyl myristate is used to dissolve ointments and oily preparations in pharmacopoeial sterility testing.

A clear, colourless, practically odourless, oily liquid of low viscosity that congeals at about 5 °C. It consists mainly of the isopropyl ester of myristic acid with smaller amounts of other fatty acid esters.

Density

≈ 0.85 g/cm³ at 20 °C

Freezing point

≈ 5 °C

Viscosity

≈ 5–6 mPa·s at 25 °C

Refractive index

≈ 1.434–1.437 at 20 °C

Solubility

soluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate, fixed oils and liquid paraffin; practically insoluble in glycerin, propylene glycol and water

Resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis and does not become rancid. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

Swells and partly dissolves rubber, and causes swelling of some plastics such as polyethylene and nylon; container and closure materials should be checked. Incompatible with strong oxidising agents.

Prepared by esterifying myristic acid with propan-2-ol in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by purification, or by transesterification of fats.

Widely used in cosmetics and topical medicines and regarded as non-toxic and only slightly irritant. It has been reported to be comedogenic in some tests, which may be relevant in products for acne-prone skin.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled; eye protection and gloves are recommended. Spills are slippery.

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (otic, topical, transdermal and vaginal preparations) and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Isopropyl palmitate; ethyl oleate; medium-chain triglycerides; octyldodecanol.

Its low viscosity and good spreading make it useful for reducing the greasy feel of ointments and creams. When used for sterility testing, the isopropyl myristate itself must be sterile and shown not to be antimicrobial, and it is normally filter-sterilised.