✦ Lightweight synthetic ester that delivers a dry, non-greasy emollient effect on skin and hair
✦ Primary use is as a fragrance carrier and solvent — ideal for oil-based perfumes, roll-ons, and attars
✦ Excellent solubility for aroma chemicals, essential oils, and waxes — replaces DPG in many applications
✦ Enhances skin absorption and spreadability in lotions, serums, and body oils
✦ Approved cosmetic ingredient with broad global regulatory acceptance
✦ Vegan and cruelty-free — no animal-derived components
✦ Colorless and near-odorless — will not interfere with fragrance composition

Isopropyl Myristate is a synthetic ester produced through the esterification of isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid naturally occurring in coconut and palm kernel oil. First introduced into cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations in the mid-twentieth century, IPM quickly became a formulation standard due to its exceptional emollient properties, low viscosity, and remarkable compatibility with a wide range of active and aromatic ingredients.

What sets IPM apart from heavier emollients and carrier oils is its dry, skin-sinking texture. Unlike natural oils such as coconut or mineral oil, IPM leaves no greasy residue and is rapidly absorbed into the upper layers of skin. In perfumery, it has earned a distinct role as a non-alcoholic solvent that dissolves and carries aroma chemicals with excellent clarity, making it the preferred diluent in oil-based perfumes, roll-ons, concentrated attars, and beard oils. Its ability to solubilize musks, resins, and high-impact aroma chemicals without haze or separation gives formulators clean, professional results.

Bio Shop Pakistan supplies cosmetic-grade Isopropyl Myristate suitable for perfumers, attar blenders, cosmetic formulators, soap makers, and home care crafters looking for a versatile, skin-compatible carrier and texture-enhancing base ingredient.

SCENT DESCRIPTION : IPM is essentially odorless with only the faintest trace of a soft, clean, slightly fatty character at close range. It contributes no perceptible scent to a finished formulation and will not alter the olfactory direction of any blend. Its value in perfumery is entirely functional — as a carrier medium rather than an aromatic contributor. Perfumers choose IPM precisely because its near-zero odor profile allows the aromatic ingredients to speak without interference.

NOTE POSITION : Not applicable — carrier and solvent ingredient only

FRAGRANCE FAMILY : Not applicable

FACETS : Odorless · Clean · Neutral · Non-interfering · Transparent

TENACITY : Not applicable as a standalone aromatic material

SILLAGE : None — IPM acts as a carrier and does not project scent

Chemical Name : Isopropyl Myristate
CAS Number : 110-27-0
Synonyms : IPM, Isopropyl Tetradecanoate, Crodamol IPM, Estol IPM
Purity : 99% minimum
Appearance : Clear, colorless, slightly oily liquid
Odor Threshold : Essentially odorless; faint fatty note at undiluted concentration
Solubility : Miscible with most oils, waxes, alcohols, and aroma chemicals; practically insoluble in water
Specific Gravity : 0.850 – 0.855 at 20°C
Flash Point : 113°C (235°F)
Type : Synthetic ester (derived from natural fatty acid source)

Fine Fragrance : ★★★★☆
IPM is widely used in oil-based perfume formats such as roll-ons, solid-to-oil sticks, and concentrated parfum oils. It dissolves most aroma chemicals with excellent clarity and produces a smooth, non-alcoholic finish. It is not typically used in spray EDPs or EDTs where ethanol is the primary carrier.

Attar & Oriental Blending : ★★★★★
IPM is arguably the most important carrier in attar and oil-based perfumery. It thins dense resinous and musky bases without altering their scent profile, ensures uniform blending of heavy materials like oud, ambergris, and sandalwood, and delivers a clean dry-down on skin. Pakistani and Middle Eastern attar traditions rely heavily on IPM as the modern carrier of choice.

Functional Fragrance : ★★★★☆
In functional applications such as body sprays, deodorant sticks, hair mists, and beard oils, IPM adds emollient value alongside fragrance delivery. It helps the scent adhere to skin and hair while simultaneously conditioning the surface. A practical dual-function ingredient in leave-on personal care formats.

Cosmetics : ★★★★★
IPM is a first-choice emollient for creams, lotions, serums, lip balms, and makeup products. It improves spreadability, reduces drag on skin, and enhances the sensory profile of heavier formulations. It is also commonly used to solubilize oil-soluble actives and give serums a luxurious yet non-greasy feel.

Home Fragrance : ★★★☆☆
IPM can be used in reed diffusers and oil burners as a carrier for fragrance oils, particularly where a slower, more controlled evaporation rate is desired. It is less ideal for candles and wax melts due to its low vapor pressure and potential to affect wax consistency. Functional but secondary to DPG and dipropylene glycol formats in home fragrance.

Application : Suggested IPM Level
Oil Perfume / Roll-On : 50 – 95% (IPM as primary carrier base)
Attar Blending : 30 – 80% (depending on concentration)
Body Oil / Serum : 10 – 50% (as emollient carrier)
Cream / Lotion : 1 – 15% (as emollient and spreading agent)
Lip Balm / Lip Gloss : 5 – 20% (as non-greasy emollient)
Deodorant / Deo Stick : 5 – 20% (carrier and skin conditioner)
Hair Oil / Beard Oil : 10 – 60% (lightweight dry-feel carrier)
Reed Diffuser : 10 – 30% (as fragrance diluent)
Shampoo / Conditioner : 1 – 5% (emollient assist, rinse-off)

IFRA STATUS

IPM is not a fragrance ingredient and is therefore not listed or regulated under the IFRA 51st Amendment. There are no IFRA category limits applicable to Isopropyl Myristate. It is approved for cosmetic use under EU Cosmetics Regulation EC 1223/2009 and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS-adjacent status in personal care globally).

⚠️ Note: IPM is a penetration enhancer. When used in formulations containing potent actives or skin-sensitizing fragrance materials, it may increase dermal absorption. Use within recommended cosmetic levels and ensure all co-ingredients are safe for enhanced absorption in leave-on applications.

⚠️ Note: IPM is comedogenic for some skin types (rated moderately comedogenic on the standard 0–5 scale). Caution is advised in facial formulations targeting acne-prone skin.

METHOD 1 — DIRECT DILUTION OF AROMA CHEMICALS
Add your aroma chemical or fragrance concentrate directly into IPM at the desired ratio. IPM dissolves most synthetic molecules and naturals cleanly at room temperature. Gently warm to 30–35°C if solubilizing waxy or solid materials such as musks or benzyl benzoate. No surfactant needed for oil-in-oil blending.

METHOD 2 — CARRIER BASE FOR ATTAR CONSTRUCTION
Use IPM as the foundation of your attar base before layering in oud, rose absolute, sandalwood, or resinous materials. Starting with a 70–80% IPM base, add your base notes first, then mid notes, allowing each addition to homogenize before proceeding. This approach gives you precise control over concentration and avoids overpowering any single note.

METHOD 3 — COSMETIC EMOLLIENT BLENDING
In emulsion work, IPM belongs in the oil phase. Add it to your heated oil phase alongside waxes and butters before emulsification. At 5–10%, it dramatically improves spreadability and skin feel without adding heaviness. Pair with a lighter silicone-feel alternative such as cyclomethicone for ultra-light formulations.

BEST PAIRINGS

Oud / Agarwood Oil → IPM thins and extends resinous oud without altering its profile
Rose Absolute → Creates skin-smooth rose attar base with clean dry-down
Ambroxan → Excellent solubility; IPM carries this woody ambergris molecule evenly
Benzyl Benzoate → Mutual solubility; often blended together in orientals and attars
Musk Ketone / Musks → IPM carries musk materials with clarity and improves diffusion on skin
Essential Oils (all) → Universal compatibility; IPM dilutes EOs cleanly for skin application
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) → Common antioxidant pairing to extend shelf life of IPM-based oils

AVOID

IPM is not water-soluble — avoid attempting direct incorporation into water-based formulations without an appropriate emulsifier system. It will separate and create an unstable product if added to aqueous phases without proper emulsification.

As a carrier ingredient, IPM occupies a quiet but essential position in every serious formulator's toolkit. Where DPG gives you a slightly sweet, faintly glycolic character, IPM is entirely transparent — it disappears beneath whatever you place on top of it, letting the fragrance speak without compromise. I reach for IPM almost automatically when building roll-on attars for warm-weather wear, because it creates a dry, intimate skin-scent rather than the projected sillage of an alcohol-based spray. The result is a quieter, more personal fragrance that unfolds only on close contact — a quality that resonates deeply with traditional attar culture and with modern customers who prefer skin-close, intimate scents.

ADVANCED TIP: When you are working with high-impact aroma chemicals that require precise dosing — such as Iso E Super, Dihydromyrcenol, or Calone — pre-dilute them at 10% in IPM before incorporating into your blend. This gives you working dilutions that are far easier to measure accurately in small quantities and reduces the risk of overdosing potent materials. Label your dilutions clearly and store in amber glass — these pre-diluted stocks remain stable for 12–18 months and significantly streamline your workflow.

Physical State : Clear, colorless oily liquid at room temperature
Skin Safety : Generally safe for topical use within recommended levels; mild penetration enhancer — avoid very high levels on sensitive or compromised skin
Eye Contact : Irritant — rinse immediately with water if contact occurs; avoid use near eyes without ophthalmologist-approved testing
Ingestion : Not for internal use; seek medical attention if swallowed
Ventilation : Good general ventilation adequate; no special respiratory precautions required at normal handling temperatures
Storage : Store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and heat sources; ideal storage at 15–25°C
Shelf Life : 24–36 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly in sealed containers; oxidation possible if repeatedly exposed to air
Container : Store in HDPE, glass, or stainless steel containers; avoid PVC and polystyrene — IPM may cause softening or leaching in incompatible plastics
Flammability : Flash point 113°C — not classified as flammable under standard conditions; keep away from open flames and high-heat sources

Q: What is IPM used for in perfumery?
A: IPM is used as a carrier and solvent to dilute fragrance oils, aroma chemicals, and essential oils in oil-based formats such as roll-ons and attars. It replaces alcohol and DPG in non-alcoholic perfume applications.

Q: Is IPM safe to apply directly on skin?
A: Yes, IPM is a cosmetic-grade ingredient approved for skin contact use. It is a penetration enhancer, so keep concentrations within standard cosmetic levels and avoid using it as a primary base on very sensitive or damaged skin.

Q: Can I use IPM in candles or wax melts?
A: IPM is not ideal for candles. Its low vapor pressure and oily nature can interfere with wax structure and wick performance. DPG or fragrance-grade diluents are better suited for wax-based home fragrance applications.

Q: What is the difference between IPM and DPG?
A: DPG (Dipropylene Glycol) is a glycol-based carrier with a faintly sweet scent and good water miscibility, commonly used in functional fragrances and reed diffusers. IPM is an ester-based carrier that is fully oil-soluble, essentially odorless, and preferred in oil-based perfumery and skin-care formulations where a dry, non-greasy finish is desired.

Q: Is IPM comedogenic — will it clog pores?
A: IPM has a moderate comedogenicity rating and may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone individuals when used at high levels in facial products. It is generally well-tolerated in body and hair formulations. For facial leave-on products targeting sensitive or acne-prone skin, use at lower concentrations or consider a lighter ester alternative.