What it is
Myristyl nicotinate is a lipophilic ester that pairs the fatty alcohol myristyl alcohol with nicotinic acid (a form of vitamin B3). It is added to leave-on products such as moisturizers and daytime sun care as a skin-conditioning ingredient. Because it is oil-soluble, it is typically incorporated into the oil phase of an emulsion.
Safety & warnings
Niacin and its esters can cause transient flushing or a warm, tingling sensation in some users, though esterified, lipophilic forms are generally milder than free nicotinic acid. As with any new ingredient, patch testing is reasonable for sensitive or reactive skin.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic. It is produced by esterifying nicotinic acid with myristyl alcohol; the myristyl alcohol portion is commonly derived from plant or coconut sources, while the nicotinic acid is manufactured synthetically.
Questions everyone asks
What is myristyl nicotinate made from?
It is an ester combining myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) with nicotinic acid, a form of vitamin B3. The result is an oil-soluble skin-conditioning ingredient.
Why is it used in sunscreen formulas?
It acts as a skin-conditioning agent that helps support the feel and texture of leave-on daytime products. It is not a UV filter and does not provide sun protection on its own.