Isopropylmyristat

Cosmetic ingredients (Isopropyl Myristate) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)

Binding; Solvent; Skin conditioning; Emollient

Personal care product -> emollient -> wax ester

0.8532 g/cu cm at 20 °C

0.847 - 0.855

0.8532 @ 20°C

Liquid of low viscosity

Colorless oil

Soluble in castor oil, cottonseed oil, acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, toluene, and mineral oil; practically insoluble in glycerol, propylene glycol

Soluble in ether, very soluble in acetone, benzene; insoluble in water

insoluble in water and glycerol; soluble in alcohol

(in ethanol)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 84.3% (2565 of 3041) of all reports.

Warning

H315 (15.6%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

P264, P280, P302+P352, P321, P332+P317, and P362+P364 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 3041 reports by companies from 10 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Chemical: Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester

Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 (amended)

Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 06-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16077

Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

European Commission, ESIS; IUCLID Dataset,Isopropyl Myristate (110-27-0) (2000 CD-ROM edition) contains information on use, toxicology, and environmental effects of this chemical as supplied to the European Union by industry.[Available from, as of May 12, 2010: http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/]

Opdyke DLJ; Monograph on fragrance raw materials; Food Cosmet Toxicol 14 (4): 307-38 (1976). Prepn, cosmetic and perfume uses, legal status of use in food, metab, carcinogenic potential, pharmacology, and toxicology of isopropyl myristate are reviewed.

Residues of isopropyl myristate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solvent.

Residues of isopropyl myristate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: solvent.

SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Residues of isopropyl myristate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solvent.

Residues of isopropyl myristate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: solvent.

81 [mg/m3]

900 [mg/m3]

5400 [mg/m3]

Addn of Polysorbate 80 to alcohols ethanol, butanol or octanol in isopropyl myristate soln reduced their permeability constant when they were initially poorly sol in pure solvent.

The permeability constants for percutaneous absorption of propylene glycol & water in human excised skin were 3.2x10-6 cm/hr & 5.5x10-6 cm/hr, respectively. In isopropyl myristate, the permeability constants incr approx 250-fold to 1.1x10-3 cm/hr.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1.2X10+4(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that isopropyl myristate is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of isopropyl myristate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.34X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Isopropyl myristate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.35X10-5 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Isopropyl myristate, present at 100 mg/L, reached 94% of its chemical oxygen demand in 28 days using a municipal waste water inoculum in the closed bottle test(5), suggesting that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1.2X10+4(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that isopropyl myristate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.34X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4.9 hours and 6.5 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 99 days when adsorption is considered(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 2800(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 7.17(7) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 2.14X10-2 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(2); this corresponds to half-lives of 10 years and 1 year at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(8). Isopropyl myristate, present at 100 mg/L, reached 94% of its chemical oxygen demand in 28 days using a municipal waste water inoculum in the closed bottle test(9), suggesting that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), isopropyl myristate, which has a vapor pressure of 9.35X10-5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase isopropyl myristate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 20 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.92X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase isopropyl myristate may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Isopropyl myristate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of isopropyl myristate can be estimated to be 1.2X10+4(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that isopropyl myristate is expected to be immobile in soil.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ /In a/ repeated Patch-test 1.28-1.70 g isopropyl myristate was applied for 24 hr every other day for 15 applications to 50 health volunteers. In each case a 48 hr challenge application was given 3 wk later. The study has failed to detect any sensitizing potential.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A bath oil containing 42.9% isopropyl myristate was tested for photo-con tact allergenicity on seven men and 18 women. Applications of 5 uL/sq cm under an occlusive patch for 24 hours, followed by three minimal erythema doses of irradiation from a Xenon Solar Simulator, were repeated twice a week for three weeks. A challenge patch followed by 25-30 mW/sq cm UVA for five minutes from the solar simulator fitted with a Schott WG345 filter was performed 10 days after the last induction exposure. No evidence of photo-contact allergenicity was observed.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ A phototoxicity study with a bath oil formulation containing 42.9% isopropyl myristate was conducted on one man and nine women. The material was applied undiluted at 5 uL/sq cm under occlusive patches. Sites were irradiated after 6 and 24 hours with a 150-watt Xenon Solar Simulator fitted with Schott WG345 filter to eliminate UVB radiation, giving a total UVA irradiance of 25-30 mW/sq cm. No evidence of phototoxicity was observed.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Four separate human sensitization studies testing an aerosol antiperspirant concentrate containing 52-58% isopropyl myristate produced no reactions indicative of sensitization in a total of 320 subjects.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Isopropyl myristate (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

AEROBIC: Long chain fatty acid esters, structurally similar to isopropyl myristate, were rapidly degraded by mixed sewage sludge(1,2,3). Isopropyl myristate, present at 100 mg/L, reached 94% of its chemical oxygen demand in 28 days using a municipal waste water inoculum in the closed bottle test(4). These data suggest that biodegradation may be an important environmental fate process(SRC).

PURE CULTURE: Pure cultures of bacteria (Bacillus and Pseudomonas), yeast (Candida, and Pichia) and Fungi (Asperigillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporian) were found to degrade isopropyl myristate(1).

An estimated BCF of 2800 was calculated in fish for isopropyl myristate(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 7.17(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC), provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for isopropyl myristate is estimated as 2.34X10-2 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that isopropyl myristate is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4.9 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 6.5 days(SRC). Isopropyl myristate's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 99 days when adsorption is considered(3). Isopropyl myristate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.35X10-5 mm Hg(4).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Isopropyl myristate (diluted and undiluted material) /produced a/ slightly irritating /reaction/ when the substance was applied on intact and abraded rabbit skin under occlusive conditions for 24 hr.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A volume of 0.3 mL of isopropyl myristate was injected intracutaneously into two areas of abdominal skin in each of five adult albino rabbits. Using injected trypan blue as a diagnostic aid, the investigators found no indication of parenteral irritation.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ An aerosol antiperspirant containing 4.7% isopropyl myristate was tested on six rats. The animals were exposed to a nominal concentration of 9.7 mg/L of isopropyl myristate for four 15 minute periods, each separated by a 5-minute fresh air period; six other rats served as control. There were no significant adverse effect during exposure, no deaths, and no finding at necropsy which distinguished treated from control animals.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Two product formulations containing isopropyl myristate were tested for acute inhalation toxicity in rats. One aerosol antiperspirant containing 16-20% isopropyl myristate was dispensed from its commercial container for 6.5 sec/min for 1 hr. The normal concentration of isopropyl myristate was 33-41mg/L. The 20 exposed animals were lethargic and had slight muzzle and eye discharge during exposure, but they exhibited normal appearance and behavior throughout the 14-day post-exposure observation period. No deaths occurred, and no evidence of systemic toxicity was found at necropsy.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Isopropyl myristate (31 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of isopropyl myristate with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.92X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 20 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). A base-catalyzed second-order hydrolysis rate constant of 2.14X10-2 L/mole-sec(SRC) was estimated using a structure estimation method(2); this corresponds to half-lives of 10 years and 1 year at pH values of 7 and 8, respectively(2). Isopropyl myristate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Residues of isopropyl myristate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: solvent.

Residues of isopropyl myristate are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: solvent.

Isopropyl myristate is an emollient vehicle that is effective at enhancing the penetration of other medical agents that may be incorporated into the vehicle as active agents. In one study, a 50:50 isopropanol-isopropyl myristate binary enhancer synergistically increased the transport of estradiol across a two-layer human epidermis in vitro.

As a pediculicide, isopropyl myristate is capable of physically coating the exoskeleton bodies of lice. This physical coating subsequently immobilizes the lice and works to dissolve the wax covering on the insect exoskeleton and blocks the insects' airways, leading to death by dehydration. Although this physical action of isopropyl myristate results in little lice resistance (given the lack of immunologic or chemical activity in this mechanism of action), the substance is also not ovicidal, which means any eggs that may have been laid by lice would not be affected. Moreover, isopropyl myristate is capable of eliciting its pediculicide action in a contact time of only 10 minutes per each necessary administration.

Any isopropyl myristate that is absorbed is likely to be hydrolyzed to its component compounds of isopropylalcohol and myristic acid.

The myristates can be expected to undergo chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis to myristic acid and the corresponding alcohol.

Like other high molecular weight aliphatic esters, the myristates are readily hydrolyzed to the corresponding alcohols and acids which are then further metabolized.

Dermal absorption of isopropyl myristate is predicated to be 0.00020 mg/cm2/event, which is considered a very low absorption rate. In a study, topically applied isopropyl myristate was largely retained in the stratum corneum. It was not detected in the receptor fluid of flow-through diffusion cells in in-vitro skin permeation experiments using human epidermis (stratum corneum and viable epidermis) and dermis of varying thickness.

Readily available information regarding the pharmacokinetics of isopropyl myristate is not available.

Readily available information regarding the pharmacokinetics of isopropyl myristate is not available.

Readily available information regarding the pharmacokinetics of isopropyl myristate is not available.

Four monkeys were exposed for 5 sec to the spray of an aerosol antiperspirant containing 14C-labelled isopropyl myristate. Two animals were sacrificed immediately after exposureand the other two were sacrificed 24 hr later. The distribution of carbon-14 in the exhaled air and in several tissues indicated that only 0.25% of the dose sprayed at the animals was absorbed; about 10% of this reached the lower respiratory tract. Some 85% of the absorbed isopropyl myristate was eliminated in 24 hr, mainly as exhaled carbon dioxide; very little labeled material reached any tissues other than the lungs.

In whole body autoradiography in hairless mice, there was no visible penetration into the skin or organs, whereas microautoradipgraphy with guinea pigs showed local penetration. Isopropyl myristate penetrated to the greatest extent. Percutaneous absorption was examined in Angora rabbits by microautoradiography simultaneously with skin irritation potential by histological method. Isopropyl myristate was distributed into the skin both trans-epidermally and trans-follicularly immediately after 24 hr application. Isopropyl myristate is thought to penetrate into human skin also, though it is known to generate no erythema on the skin. Isopropyl myristate was found to be distributed into almost all organs by means of whole body autoradiography when it was injected sc into mice. The extracts from the liver and kidney were determined to be a fatty acid and a triglyceride. Isopropyl myristate was easily distributed into the organs and metabolized.

CIR ingredient: Isopropyl Myristate

Used as emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics and topical medicines, parenteral solvent (intravenous solutions), and reagent in tests for sterility; [HSDB]

For isopropyl myristate (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 000207) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

Isopropyl myristate is an effective agent for solubilizing lanolin; mixtures of up to about 50% lanolin in isopropyl myristate remain stable, free-flowing liquid at room temperature. Therefore, isopropyl myristate is used as a solubilizing, spreading, and penetrating agent in anhydrous skin lubricating lotions with high lanolin content. Isopropyl myristate leaves the skin soft and smooth without an oily surface film. It is used in bath oils, perfumes, creams lotions, lipsticks, hair preparations, shaving lotions, aerosol toiletries, and pharmaceutical ointments.

In cosmetic and topical medicinal preparations

EMOLLIENT & EMULSIFIER IN COSMETIC OILS, CREAMS & LOTIONS, MAKEUP, LIPSTICK, SKIN LUBRICANTS, DEODORANTS, SUN SCREENS, HAIR PREPARATIONS, NAIL LACQUER REMOVER; PARENTERAL SOLVENT IN MEDICINE; REAGENT IN MEDICAL TEST FOR STERILITY

The commercial product may contain small amounts of esters of palmitic and other saturated fatty acids.

Myristic acid and other free fatty acids are present at a maximum concentration of 1.0%, and unsponifiable material is present at a maximum concentration of 0.2%. There are no known dilutents, solvents, or adhesives present.

2023: 10,000,000 - <25,000,000 lb

(1972) 2.2X10+9 GRAMS

(1975) 1.1X10+9 GRAMS

Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#1744]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester. Aggregated National Production Volume: 1 to < 10 million lbs.

Isopropyl myristate is commercially produced by distillation, which is preceded by the esterification of myristic acid and isopropanol, alkali refined to neutralize the catalyst, and the product is then distilled to obtain isopropyl myristate.

By reacting myristoyl chloride with 2-propanol with the aid of a suitable dehydrochlorinating agent.

Esterification of isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid

Grade: Double-distilled from coconut oil.

The commercial product usually appears as a mixture of myristate with small amounts of esters of palmitic and other saturated fatty acids.

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Solvents

Safer Chemical Classes -> Green half-circle - The chemical is expected to be of low concern

Fragrance Ingredients

Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENTFood Additives -> CARRIER_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index

Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENTFood Additives -> CARRIER_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Wholesale and Retail Trade

Tetradecanoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester: ACTIVE