Isopropyl myristate (CAS 110-27-0) — Citrus Carrier Note Fragrance Ingredient
Isopropyl myristate
CAS 110-27-0
What Is Isopropyl myristate?
Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. You’ll find it in lotions, creams, and makeup where it helps improve texture and absorption. This ingredient matters because it creates a smooth, non-greasy feel while enhancing product spreadability. It’s particularly valued in formulations where lightweight moisturization is desired.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Isopropyl myristate Smell Like?
Isopropyl myristate is nearly odorless, with just a faint waxy character that disappears quickly. Imagine the subtle scent of a new candle before it’s lit – clean, neutral, and unobtrusive. This makes it an ideal carrier for fragrances, adding no competing olfactory notes while helping other ingredients perform better.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Isopropyl myristate is a simple ester formed from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. This synthetic compound is prized for its excellent spreading properties and chemical stability. As a non-polar molecule, it’s particularly compatible with oils and waxes, making it valuable in emulsion systems. The ester linkage gives it both lipophilic and mild hydrophilic characteristics.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 160-180 °C at 4 mmHg |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 110 °C |
| Density | 0.85 g/cm³ at 25 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Care | 1-5% | Up to 25% | Improves texture and absorption |
| Makeup | 3-10% | Up to 15% | Enhances spreadability |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a base to improve the sensory characteristics of heavy oils without adding fragrance.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar properties with slightly heavier feel, used when more emolliency is desired.
Lighter alternative with faster absorption, preferred for facial products.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for use in cosmetics by RIFM assessment.
Sustainability
As a petroleum-derived synthetic, isopropyl myristate raises typical petrochemical sustainability concerns. However, its high efficiency means relatively small amounts are needed in formulations. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based production routes using fermentation-derived alcohols.
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References
- Fiume, M.M. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of isopropyl myristate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology.
- PubChem CID 8042 – Isopropyl myristate PubChem
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID0026838
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 270.457 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.851 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 315 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 3.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 146.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.44 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 313.009 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 7.71 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 7.157 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 7.157 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.21 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 5.192 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 28.675 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 145.648 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 13 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 82.541 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 32.722 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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