What it is
Myristyl alcohol is a long-chain saturated fatty alcohol that is solid at room temperature and contributes body and a smooth, soft feel to creams and lotions. In sunscreens it helps thicken the oil phase, stabilize emulsions, and improve the cushiony texture of the finished product. It is a fatty alcohol, chemically distinct from drying solvent alcohols like ethanol, and is non-volatile.
Safety & warnings
Myristyl alcohol is widely used and generally well tolerated. Fatty alcohols in this chain-length range are sometimes cited as potentially comedogenic for very acne-prone skin, though this varies with formulation and concentration. It should not be confused with simple drying alcohols and is not associated with the dryness those cause.
Origin & sourcing
Can be derived from natural fats and oils, such as coconut or palm-derived fatty acids, or produced synthetically; the commercial material is the C14 saturated fatty alcohol.
Questions everyone asks
Is myristyl alcohol drying like regular alcohol?
No. It is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener, and it does not have the drying effect of solvent alcohols such as ethanol.
Why is it in sunscreen?
It thickens the formula, helps keep the emulsion stable, and gives creams a smooth, soft texture.