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IPM Isopropyl Myristate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate mainly works as an emollient in cosmetics and personal care products.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate has an oily base with low viscosity and adapts well to the skin.
CAS Number: 110-27-0
Chem/IUPAC Name: Tetradecanoic acid, isopropyl ester
EINECS/ELINCS No: 203-751-4
COSING REF No: 34699
MDL Number: MFCD00008982
MOL File: 110-27-0.mol
Molecular Formula: C17H34O2
Molecular Weight: 270.45
Synonyms: IPM,FEMA 3556,1-Methylethyl tetradecanoate,MYRISTIC ACID ISOPROPYL ESTER,IPM 100;sopropyl myristate,BISOMEL,Propyl myristate,Iso Propyl Mystrate,ISOPROPYL TETRADECANOATE
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is a colorless and odorless liquid that is a common ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is a synthetic ester formed by the combination of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is a colorless, odorless liquid widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as an emollient, solvent, and skin-penetration enhancer.
Chemical Properties
Isopropyl myristate is a colorless and odorless liquid with a faint odor, and miscible with vegetable oil.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is not easy to be either hydrolyzed or become rancid.
The refractive index nD20 is 1.435~1.438, and the relative density (20°C) is 0.85~0.86.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is used in many applications, including pharma, food and personal care product manufacturing.
Description
Isopropyl myristate is odorless when pure. May be synthesized by conventional esterification of isopropanol with myristic acid.
General Description
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is an ester of isopropyl alcohol myristic acid.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is mainly used as a solubilizer, emulsifier and emollient in cosmetic and topical medicines.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate also finds applications as a flavoring agent in the food industry.
Pharmaceutical secondary standards for application in quality control, provide pharma laboratories and manufacturers with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the preparation of in-house working standards.
Production Methods
Isopropyl myristate may be prepared either by the esterification of myristic acid with propan-2-ol or by the reaction of myristoyl chloride and propan-2-ol with the aid of a suitable dehydrochlorinating agent. A high-purity material is also commercially available, produced by enzymatic esterification at low temperature.
Preparation
By conventional esterification of isopropanol with myristic acid
Chemical Properties
Pure isopropyl myristate is virtually odorless, very slightly fatty, but not rancid
colourless liquid of low viscosity
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is a clear, colorless, practically odorless liquid of low viscosity that congeals at about 5°C.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate consists of esters of propan-2-ol and saturated high molecular weight fatty acids, principally myristic acid.
Occurrence
Reported found in kumquat peel oil, papaya, starfruit, plum brandy, coriander seed and loquat
Content Analysis
Weight 1.5 g sample. Then IPM Isopropyl Myristate is determined by the method ester assay (OT-18). The equivalent factor (e) in the calculation is 135.2. Or it is determined by a non-polar column method of gas chromatography (GT-10-4).
Physical & Chemical Properties
Density: ~0.85 g/mL
Boiling Point: 193 °C (at 20 mmHg)
Solubility: Soluble in alcohols and oils; highly insoluble in water.
Key Benefits & Functions
Skin Penetration: Alters the skin barrier temporarily to help active ingredients absorb faster and deeper.
Non-Greasy Feel: Reduces the heavy, oily sensation often caused by high-lipid formulas or natural oils.
Excellent Spreadability: Improves the slip and application of creams, making them feel silky on the skin.
Effective Solvent: Dissolves pigments, fragrances, and solid chemical blocks in laboratory or manufacturing setups.
Uses
Isopropyl myristate is a polar emollient and is used in cosmetic and topical pharmaceutical preparations as a penetration enhancer where skin absorption is desired.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is also used as a treatment for head lice.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is also in flea and tick killing products for pets.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is used to remove bacteria from the oral cavity as the non-aqueous component of the two-phase mouthwash product Dentyl pH.
Isopropyl myristate is also used as a solvent in perfume materials, and in the removal process of prosthetic make-up.
Hydrolysis of the ester from isopropyl myristate can liberate the acid and the alcohol.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is theorized to be responsible for decreasing of the pH value of formulations.
Uses
Isopropyl myristate (IPM) is a fatty acid ester which is used as solvent in water-in-oil emulsion, oils and fatty based ointments.
The use of IPM is recommended in the Sterility Test chapter of the European, Japanese and United States Pharmacopoeia (EP, 2.6.13, JP, 4.06 and USP, 71) as diluent for oils and oily solutions, as well as for ointments and creams.
Indeed, its solvent properties improve the filterability of these samples.
Isopropyl myristate is known as a penetration enhancer for topical preparations.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is a waterclear, low viscous oily liquid with a very good spreading capacity on the skin.
Isopropyl Myristate is mainly used in cosmetics as an oilcomponent for emulsions, bath oils and as a solvent for active substances.
Uses
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical bases.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient, moisturizer, binder, and skin softener that also assists in product penetration.
An ester of myristic acid, IPM Isopropyl Myristate is naturally occurring in coconut oil and nutmeg.
Although isopropyl myristate is generally considered comedogenic, some ingredient manufacturers clearly specify non-comedogenicity on their data sheets.
In cosmetic and topical medicinal Preparations where good absorption through the skin is desired.
A jellied isopropyl myristate was marketed as Estergel (Merck & Co.) .
Pharmaceutical Applications
Isopropyl myristate is a nongreasy emollient that is absorbed readily by the skin.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is used as a component of semisolid bases and as a solvent for many substances applied topically.
Applications in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations include bath oils; make-up; hair and nail care products; creams; lotions; lip products; shaving products; skin lubricants; deodorants; otic suspensions; and vaginal creams. For example, isopropyl myristate is a self-emulsifying component of a proposed cold cream formula, which is suitable for use as a vehicle for drugs or dermatological actives; IPM Isopropyl Myristate is also used cosmetically in stable mixtures of water and glycerol.
Isopropyl myristate is used as a penetration enhancer for transdermal formulations, and has been used in conjunction with therapeutic ultrasound and iontophoresis.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate has been used in a water-oil gel prolonged-release emulsion and in various microemulsions.
Such microemulsions may increase bioavailability in topical and transdermal applications.
Isopropyl myristate has also been used in microspheres, and significantly increased the release of drug from etoposide-loaded microspheres.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is used in soft adhesives for pressuresensitive adhesive tapes.
Contact allergens
Despite wide use in cosmetics, perfumes, and topical medicaments, isopropyl myristate is a very weak sen- sitizer and a mild irritant.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Isopropyl myristate (myristic acid isopropyl ester) is used to change the physicochemical characteristics of microsheres such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres.
Isopropyl myristate is used as a oil phase component in the formulaton of microemulsion systems.
Common Applications
Skincare & Makeup: Frequently found in moisturizers, lotions, foundations, and primers to ensure a smooth finish.
Perfumeries: Used as a popular carrier oil or diluent in alcohol-free roll-on perfumes and oil-based fragrances.
Hair Care: Added to hair serums, conditioners, and styling products to add shine and softness without weighing hair down.
Topical Medications: Utilized in medical creams and ointments to boost the delivery of therapeutic ingredients through the skin.
Isopropyl myristate is a texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate can also help to enhance the absorption of ingredients in a cosmetic formula.
Skin care: IPM Isopropyl Myristate works as an emollient, thickener, and a lubricant in beauty products.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate locks in the hydration, and enhances the penetration of other ingredients in the formulation.
Isopropyl myristate is an effective agent for solubilizing lanolin. Therefore, isopropyl myristate is used as a solubilizing, spreading, and penetrating agent in anhydrous skin lubricating lotions with high lanolin content.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate leaves the skin soft and smooth without an oily surface film.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate can even reduce the heavy, greasy feel in products with high oil content.
It's also fast-spreading meaning that IPM Isopropyl Myristate gives the formula a good, nice slip
Hair care: IPM Isopropyl Myristate works as a hydrating agent, emollient, and enhancer.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate hydrates the hair and the scalp and enhances the penetration of other ingredients in the formulation.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is not recommended for particularly thin hair, as IPM Isopropyl Myristate can make IPM Isopropyl Myristate appear greasy, or an oily scalp or hair, as IPM Isopropyl Myristate can lead to clogged pores.
Pharmacology
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is used in pharmaceutical preparations because IPM Isopropyl Myristate improves solubility and increases absorption through the skin.
External uses include a non-irritating iodine preparation for disinfecting the skin (Powers & Rieger, 1963) and aerosol bactericidal preparations for feminine hygiene use without irritation of the skin and mucous membranes (Geistlich, 1970; Watson. 1969).
Preparations for internal use include oral steroid formulations (Hirata, 1970) and anaesthetic injection solutions (Davis, Pearce & Connor, 1972).
Veterinary medications containing isopropyl myristate include oral or parenteral compositions for lungworm infections (N. V. Philips' Gloielampenfabrieken, 1964) and a spray formulation for bovine udders to treat mastitis, combat infection and improve the general skin condition (Kraus, 1965).
Isopropyl myristate has been found to be an effective repository vehicle for im injection of penicillin in rabbits and for sc administration of oestrogens in ovariectomized rats (Platcow & Voss, 1954).
In assays on human forearms, vasoconstrictor activity of ointment preparations containing 0025% betamethasone 17-benzoate in white soft paraffin was increased by the presence of IPM Isopropyl Myristate (Pepler, Woodford & Morrison, 1971).
Donovan, Ohmart & Stoklosa (1954) noted that the good solvent properties of IPM Isopropyl Myristate might increase the therapeutic activity of formulations by the apparent alteration in particle size of the active ingredients, so that further evaluation and clinical study would be necessary before its use in extemporaneous compounding could be recommended.
Studies in which the antifungal activity of paraben esters solubilized by surfactants was decreased by IPM Isopropyl Myristate (Matsumoto & Aoki, 1962) indicate that the effectiveness of medicinal substances may be influenced by the presence of surfactants and oily ingredients such as isopropyl myristate.
Side effects
Thrapecylate myristate is a medicine used to treat head lice infestations in adults and children 4 years of age and older.
Common side effects include skin irritation, rash, and contact dermatitis.
Adverse effects
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is frequently classified as a comedogenic compound and may worsen acne vulgaris and promote the development of open and closed comedones, especially when used in high concentrations.
This effect is largely attributed to follicular hyperkeratosis, a process where the compound induces an abnormal accumulation of keratinocytes that forms a plug and causes an obstruction within a hair follicle.
Safety Profile
Isopropyl myristate is determined safe for use in cosmetics according to the Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) panel.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is generally regarded as a non-toxic, non-irritant material with low systemic absorption potential.
The ingredient is resistant to oxidation and does not become rancid under normal storage conditions.
On the EWG Skin Deep database, IPM Isopropyl Myristate carries a low-to-moderate hazard score.
The primary formulator consideration is its high comedogenic index (rated 5/5), which may cause pore blockage in acne-prone individuals; use in facial leave-on products for oily or blemish-prone skin should be carefully evaluated.
Synthesis
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is synthesized by conventional esterification of iso-Propanol with Myristic acid.
Metabolism
Higher molecular weight aliphatic esters are thought to be readily hydrolysed to the corresponding alcohols and acids which are then metabolized; isopropyl myristate is undoubtedly hydrolysed to normal metabolic products (Fassett, 1963).
When myristic acid (as the ethyl ester) was fed to dogs,
Storage
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis, and does not become rancid.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place and protected from light.
Incompatibilities
When isopropyl myristate comes into contact with rubber, there is a drop in viscosity with concomitant swelling and partial dissolution of the rubber; contact with plastics, e.g. nylon and polyethylene, results in swelling.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is incompatible with hard paraffin, producing a granular mixture.
IPM Isopropyl Myristate is also incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Regulatory Status
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (otic, topical, transdermal, and vaginal preparations). Used in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK.
Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
Isopropyl myristate Properties
Melting point: ~3 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 193 °C/20 mmHg (lit.)
Density: 0.85 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
vapor pressure: <1 hPa (20 °C)
refractive index: n20/D 1.434(lit.)
FEMA: 3556 | ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE
FLAVIS Number: 09.105 | Isopropyl tetradecanoate
Flash point: >230 °F
storage temp.: 2-8°C
solubility: <0.05mg/l
form: Liquid
Specific Gravity: 0.855 (20/4℃)
color: Clear
Odor: odorless
biological source: synthetic (organic)
InChI: 1S/C17H34O2/c1-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-17(18)19-16(2)3/h16H,4-15H2,1-3H3
InChIKey: AXISYYRBXTVTFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
