Myristyl Lactate is an ester derived from myristyl alcohol and lactic acid. This ingredient is known for its emollient and skin-conditioning properties, making it a valuable addition to various cosmetic formulations. Myristyl Lactate helps to improve the texture and feel of products while providing moisturizing benefits. It contributes to a soft and smooth skin appearance, enhancing overall skin health and comfort.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Myristyl Lactate consists of:

• Myristyl Alcohol: A fatty alcohol derived from myristic acid, which acts as an emollient and helps to create a creamy texture in formulations.
• Lactic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that contributes to exfoliation and skin conditioning, promoting a smoother skin texture.
• Ester Linkage: The combination of myristyl alcohol and lactic acid through an ester bond enhances its emollient properties.

This unique composition allows Myristyl Lactate to effectively moisturize and condition the skin.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: It appears as a clear to yellowish liquid or in solid form as a white powder. In liquid form at room temperature and in solid form below room temperature.

• Solubility: Soluble in oils and fats; limited solubility in water.

• pH: Generally neutral, making it compatible with a wide range of cosmetic formulations.

• Odor: Mild, often with a slightly fatty scent.

• Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; should be protected from excessive heat and moisture.

Production Process

1. Synthesis: Myristyl Lactate is produced through the esterification of myristyl alcohol and lactic acid, typically using heat and catalysts to facilitate the reaction.

2. Purification: The resulting product is purified to remove any unreacted materials and by-products, ensuring a high-quality ingredient.

3. Formulation: Purified Myristyl Lactate is then incorporated into various cosmetic products to enhance their emollient and skin-conditioning properties.

Applications

• Medical: Occasionally used in topical formulations for its soothing and hydrating effects on the skin.

• Cosmetics: Commonly found in lotions, creams, and body butters for its emollient and skin-conditioning benefits. It enhances the overall texture and sensory experience of products.

It acts as an emollient, lubricating, texturising agent with properties of imparting shine and silkiness to hair and skin. Has a degree of water repellency.

Dosage: at 0.5-2% levels and maximum concentration 25%.

INCI Functions:

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Safety

It has not demonstrated toxicity, irritation or sensitisation at doses formulated as safe in cosmetic products.

Myristyl lactate studies

Typical commercial product characteristics Myristyl lactate

• Molecular Formula     C₁₇H₃₄O₃
• Molecular Weight      286.4
• Exact Mass   286.25100
• CAS  1323-03-1
• UNII    1D822OC34X
• EC Number   215-350-1
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID50862630
• IUPAC  tetradecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
• InChl=1S/C17H34O3/c1-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-20-17(19)16(2)18/h16,18H,3-15H2,1-2H3
• InChl Key      BORJONZPSTVSFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES  CCCCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)C(C)O
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    
• RXCUI      1363720
• HS Code     2918110000

Synonyms:

• Tetradecyl lactate
• Tetradecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate