What it is
Myristyl lactate is a clear to pale liquid ester formed from myristyl (tetradecyl) alcohol and lactic acid. In formulations it functions as an emollient that softens and conditions the skin while leaving a relatively dry, non-greasy after-feel, which makes it useful in lotions, sticks, and sunscreens. It also helps spread other ingredients evenly across the skin surface.
Safety & warnings
Myristyl lactate is generally well tolerated as a cosmetic emollient. As a longer-chain fatty ester it is sometimes flagged as potentially comedogenic, so it may be of interest to people who are prone to clogged pores or acne, though formulation level affects real-world behavior.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic ester produced by esterifying myristyl alcohol with lactic acid; both raw materials can be sourced from plant-derived fatty alcohols and fermentation-derived lactic acid.
Questions everyone asks
What does myristyl lactate do in a product?
It acts as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, softening the skin and giving formulas a smooth, light after-feel while helping other ingredients spread.
Is myristyl lactate the same as lactic acid?
No. It is an ester made from lactic acid and a fatty alcohol; it behaves as an emollient, not as an exfoliating acid.