Isopropyl Myristate

The safety of Myristyl Myristate and Isopropyl Myristate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Myristyl Myristate and Isopropyl Myristate were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use. In 2002, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on Myristyl Myristate and Isopropyl Myristate and reaffirmed the above conclusion.CIR Safety Review: Myristic Myristate was not toxic in acute oral and dermal tests. Dermal testing resulted in minimal irritation and no sensitization. Testing with Isopropyl Myristate indicated that undiluted, it irritated the skin and eyes, although products containing this ingredient were not irritating. Isopropyl Myristate was not a sensitizer, nor was it found to be carcinogenic.

The CIR Expert Panel recognize that myristate esters are readily hydrolyzed to their corresponding alcohols and acids which are then further metabolized. Myristic Acid is a digestible constituent of most vegetable and animal fats and is nontoxic when ingested.

When derived from plants, Myristyl Myristate and Isopropyl Myristate may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union. Ingredients of animal origin must comply with the European Union animal by-products regulations.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...