Isopropyl Myristate: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: IPM
A synthetic ester used to give products a dry, non-greasy slip. Despite its pleasant feel, it is one of the most pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetics.
Quick facts about Isopropyl Myristate
High Risk
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Low Risk
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Emollients
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
IPM
Quick verdict
Isopropyl Myristate is a emollient with a high risk comedogenic profile (5/5) and low risk irritancy (2/5). A synthetic ester used to give products a dry, non-greasy slip. Despite its pleasant feel, it is one of the most pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetics.
What is Isopropyl Myristate?
Isopropyl myristate (IPM) is a synthetic fatty acid ester made by combining isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid (a saturated fatty acid most commonly sourced from coconut or palm oil). Chemically it sits in the fatty ester category alongside isopropyl palmitate and ethylhexyl palmitate. Formulators love it because it gives heavy oils, butters and silicones a dry, almost powdery slip — turning a sticky cream into something that feels weightless on the skin. It is also a recognised penetration enhancer, meaning it helps other ingredients diffuse more easily through the upper skin layers. Despite this elegant skin-feel, IPM is one of the most pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetic formulation, scoring 5/5 on Fulton's classic comedogenicity scale.
Comedogenic Rating: What 5/5 Means for Your Skin
A 5/5 rating means IPM has the highest documented likelihood of triggering comedones (microscopic pore blockages that develop into blackheads, whiteheads and pimples). In Fulton's rabbit-ear assay it produced dense follicular plugs, and dermatologists routinely report patient breakouts within 2–3 weeks of using leave-on products containing it. Acne-prone, oily and combination skin should avoid it in any leave-on facial product — moisturisers, primers, foundations and especially heavier sunscreens. Wash-off products like cleansers are lower-risk because contact time is brief. People without acne tendencies may tolerate it on the body without issue.
Benefits for skin
- Improves spreadability of greasy products
- Enhances absorption of other ingredients
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Beyond pore-clogging, IPM is generally low in irritancy (around 2/5), so most reactions are slow-developing acne rather than redness or stinging. Sensitive skin can occasionally experience mild contact dermatitis, particularly when IPM appears high in an ingredient list. Anyone managing fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) should also avoid it, as the fatty-acid backbone can feed yeast overgrowth. There are no documented systemic safety concerns at cosmetic concentrations.
Best for
- Dry body skin (low-frequency use)
Avoid if
- Acne-prone skin
- Facial use
- Combination skin
- Oily skin
- Sensitive skin
How to use Isopropyl Myristate safely
If you are not acne-prone, IPM in body products is fine. For facial use, scan the ingredient list — anything in the top half of the INCI list is high-concentration and best avoided if you break out easily. Patch test new products containing it on your jawline for 1–2 weeks before applying to your full face.
Related forms: Myristyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate are similarly pore-clogging.
Commonly found in
IPM appears in body lotions, aftershaves, antiperspirants, makeup primers, liquid foundations, hair conditioners and some sunscreens — particularly those marketed as 'lightweight' or 'fast-absorbing'. It is also common in pharmaceutical creams as a delivery vehicle.
Found Isopropyl Myristate in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Other emollients to know
Shea Butter
A rich, vitamin-packed plant butter from the African shea tree. Deeply emollient and softening, it's a classic ingredient for dry, mature and sensitive skin.
Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight, refined fraction of coconut and palm fatty acids. Despite its origin, it is far less comedogenic than whole coconut oil.
Ceramides
Lipid molecules that make up roughly 50% of the skin's outer barrier. Topical ceramides replace what's lost through ageing, over-cleansing or inflammation.
Isopropyl Palmitate
A synthetic ester used to give creams and lotions a dry, silky slip. Highly comedogenic — best avoided in leave-on facial products if you are acne-prone.
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Sources
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated May 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.