What Is myristyl alcohol?

Learn about the emulsion stabilizing, skin conditioning emollient, and viscosity-controlling characteristics of myristyl alcohol and its usage in personal care products.

What Is myristyl alcohol? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is myristyl alcohol?

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1-Tetradecanol, also known as myristyl alcohol or tetradecyl alcohol, is a colorless liquid that can also solidify and float on water. It has a faint alcohol smell and is commonly used in cosmetics for its ability to stabilize emulsions, moisturize the skin as an emollient, and control viscosity. It can be found in different forms such as liquid, dry powder, white solid or other solids.

What is the purpose of myristyl alcohol in personal care products? It is used for its emulsion stabilizing, skin conditioning emollient, and viscosity-controlling characteristics. myristyl alcohol helps mix ingredients and improve shelf life, hydrates skin to prevent dryness, and adjusts the thickness of a product.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: 1-Tetradecanol and "Alcohols, C12-15".

What Are Emulsion Stabilizing Ingredients?

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myristyl alcohol has emulsion stabilizing characteristics.

Emulsion stabilizing ingredients help to mix two or more ingredients that generally don't mix well, such as oil and water, to create a stable mixture. They work by coating the oil droplets in the mixture, preventing them from sticking together and separating over time.

Emulsion stabilizing ingredients make the product last longer and more effectively and ensure it doesn't look strange or separate on the shelf. By helping emulsify, these ingredients help make the product more effective and stable over time.

What Are Skin Conditioning Emollient Ingredients?

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myristyl alcohol has skin conditioning emollient characteristics.

Skin conditioning emollients help improve the skin's texture and appearance while providing it with the necessary hydration to prevent dryness and flakiness. Emollients are lubricants that create a barrier on the skin's surface to trap moisture, which helps prevent dryness and dehydration.

Skin conditioning emollients are commonly found in cosmetics such as moisturizers and lotions, which significantly help maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Emollients are typically made from natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, and can also contain humectants that draw moisture to the skin's surface.

What Are Viscosity-Controlling Ingredients?

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myristyl alcohol has viscosity-controlling characteristics.

Viscosity-controlling ingredients increase or decrease the thickness of a product. These ingredients are essential in creating the desired texture and consistency for cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, and serums.

Increasing the viscosity of a cosmetic product can provide a thicker and more substantial texture, making it easier to apply and providing better coverage. On the other hand, decreasing the viscosity can create a lighter, more fluid consistency, allowing for quicker absorption into the skin.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.