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Why Does Retin-A Cream Contain Isopropyl Myristate?

asked 2 years ago by 6740star in LA
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 1,711 times
Tags: acne

Why do they put a highly comedogenic ingredient in an acne treatment? Won't this clog the pores and cause further breakouts?

2 answers to Why Does Retin-A Cream Contain Isopropyl Myristate?

+2

Isopropyl myristate

  Isopropyl myristate is an ingredient found in a number of cosmetic formulations. It serves as a thickening agent and an emollient.    Back in 1986 there was a study published in the Archives of Dermatology which demonstrated  that isopropyl myristate had the propensity to clog pores in the rabbit ear assay ( hope that did not rile up the Norfolk-based PETA people).  Around that time, if memory serves me right, Dr. Fulton came out with his list of... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Isopropyl myristate and Retin-A

This is essentially a common ingredient in many cosmeceuticals and funcitons as a skin conditioning agent that is added to lubricate the skin and act as a moisturizing agent or emolient. I  assume that you, as well as I, were somewhat surprised to see the Wikipedia entry that describes it as a an additive to kill head lice.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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