✦ Saturated C14 fatty acid that produces rich, dense, creamy lather in soaps and facial cleansers.
✦ Effective skin emollient that softens, conditions, and imparts a smooth velvety feel in leave-on formulas.
✦ Functions as a natural opacifier and viscosity builder in creams, lotions, and cleansing products.
✦ Derived from plant-based sources including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and nutmeg; vegan-compliant.
✦ Converts to high-performance sodium or potassium myristate upon saponification with lye.
✦ Compatible with fatty acids, fatty alcohols, waxes, and plant butters for versatile cosmetic formulation.
✦ Provides structural stability to bar soaps, body butters, and balms through its medium-chain carbon backbone.

Myristic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid with a 14-carbon backbone, occurring naturally in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, nutmeg butter (Myristica fragrans), and butterfat. Its name is derived directly from Myristica fragrans, the nutmeg tree, in which it is found at notably high concentrations. It has a long history of use in cosmetics and personal care, particularly in the production of soaps and skin conditioning preparations, where its consistent performance and wide availability make it a staple functional ingredient for professional and artisan formulators alike.

What distinguishes Myristic Acid from other fatty acids in cosmetic formulation is its exceptional lather quality combined with genuine emollient softness. As a free acid in leave-on formulas, it contributes a smooth, conditioning skin feel and acts as an effective opacifier and thickener. When saponified with sodium or potassium hydroxide, it forms sodium or potassium myristate — a surfactant with one of the most refined, creamy, and stable lather profiles of all soap-making fatty acids, making it a defining ingredient in premium facial cleansing bars and brushless shave creams.

In emulsions, Myristic Acid integrates smoothly into the hot oil phase and works synergistically with co-fatty acids such as stearic, lauric, and palmitic acid to build structured, balanced formulas. It provides gentle thickening without heaviness and contributes a skin feel that is neither greasy nor drying. Bio Shop Pakistan supplies cosmetic-grade Myristic Acid suitable for soap makers, skincare formulators, and DIY beauty crafters across Pakistan.

INCI Name : Myristic Acid
Chemical Name : Tetradecanoic Acid
CAS Number : 544-63-8
Molecular Formula : C14H28O2
Appearance : White to off-white waxy flakes or powder; solid at room temperature (MP: 54–58°C)
Odor : Faint, fatty, waxy; nearly odorless at room temperature
pH (1% solution) : Not Applicable — insoluble in water; pH behavior is formulation-dependent
Solubility : Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, chloroform, ether, and fixed oils
Specific Gravity : ~0.861 g/cm³ at 60°C (liquid state) — Verify with supplier
Flash Point : 188°C (370°F)
HLB Value : Not Applicable — pure fatty acid; HLB is relevant only for its surfactant salt forms
Recommended Use Level : 1–10% in emulsions and leave-on products; up to 30%+ in soap bar formulations
Type : Saturated Fatty Acid (C14)
Shelf Life : 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, and moisture

Skincare (Creams, Serums, Lotions) ★★★★★
Myristic Acid is highly effective in cream and lotion bases as a skin-conditioning emollient and opacifier. Incorporate at 2–5% in the hot oil phase to improve texture, add opacity, and soften skin feel.

Haircare (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks) ★★★☆☆
Myristic Acid has limited but functional application in conditioning formulas where added slip and emolliency are desired. Keep usage below 2% in rinse-off products to prevent buildup on fine or straight hair types.

Soap Making (Cold Process, Melt and Pour) ★★★★★
Myristic Acid is one of the most valued fatty acids in premium soap making, producing dense, creamy, and stable lather that exceeds the quick froth of lauric-only formulas. Introduce as pure myristic acid or via palm kernel and coconut oil to control the lather profile in cold process and hot process bar soaps.

Body Care (Scrubs, Butters, Balms) ★★★★☆
Myristic Acid blends readily into body butters and solid balms, contributing emollient softness and improved structural firmness. Use at 3–8% alongside shea butter or cocoa butter to add body and reduce the greasy feel of oil-heavy formulas.

Cleansers and Facial Bars ★★★★★
Myristic Acid delivers a distinctly superior lather quality in facial cleansing bars and cream cleansers. Saponify at 20–35% in facial soap formulations for a creamy, mild, skin-kind cleansing experience suited to both professional and handcrafted products.

When I formulate with myristic acid, I treat it as a lather sculptor rather than just another fatty acid. In soap bars, I balance it against lauric acid in a roughly 1:2 ratio — lauric provides the initial lather burst while myristic delivers the dense, sustained cream that signals quality to the person washing. In emulsions, I use it at 3–4% as a multitasking emollient that simultaneously thickens, opacifies, and softens — three jobs that would otherwise require separate ingredients.

ADVANCED TIP: To build a premium two-in-one cleansing balm that transforms into a milky emulsion on contact with water, combine Myristic Acid (8%) with PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (5%), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (30%), Shea Butter (20%), and Vitamin E (0.5%). Process at 70°C and cool slowly with gentle stirring. The myristic acid anchors the emollient base while the PEG-7 ester enables water-dispersibility on contact, producing a self-emulsifying cleansing balm with a smooth, non-stripping rinse-off feel.

Normal Skin : ★★★★★ — Performs excellently as a conditioning emollient in all normal skin formulations without risk of sensitization or congestion.
Dry Skin : ★★★★☆ — Provides effective softening and moisture barrier support; pair with humectants like glycerin for deeper hydration results.
Oily Skin : ★★☆☆☆ — Carries a moderate to high comedogenicity rating of 3–4 out of 5; avoid in leave-on facial products for oily skin.
Combination : ★★★☆☆ — Suitable in rinse-off products but use at minimal levels in leave-on formulas that cover T-zone areas.
Sensitive Skin : ★★★☆☆ — Generally well-tolerated at low concentrations in rinse-off products; always patch test before use in leave-on applications.
Mature Skin : ★★★★☆ — Effective for improving skin softness and barrier texture in rich, emollient formulas suited to mature skin concerns.
Acne-Prone : ★★☆☆☆ — High comedogenic potential makes this ingredient unsuitable for leave-on products targeting acne-prone or congested skin.

CONCEPT 1: Creamy Facial Cleansing Bar
Usage Level : 20%
Key Ingredients: Sodium Hydroxide (saponified), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Castor Oil
Result : A premium facial soap bar with dense, sustained creamy lather that cleanses effectively while leaving skin soft and non-stripped.

CONCEPT 2: Opacifying Body Lotion
Usage Level : 3%
Key Ingredients: Emulsifying Wax NF, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Distilled Water
Result : A smooth, white-opaque body lotion with an emollient skin feel and stable texture that spreads easily and absorbs without residue.

CONCEPT 3: Firm Skin-Softening Body Balm
Usage Level : 5%
Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Rosehip Oil
Result : A structured, skin-softening body balm with improved firmness and a non-greasy, velvety finish that melts cleanly on contact with skin.

INCI Declared : Yes — must be declared on all finished cosmetic products per EU and international labelling standards
EU Cosmetics Reg : Permitted — no Annex restriction; approved without concentration limit as an emollient and cleansing agent
Rinse-Off Limit : No limit established
Leave-On Limit : No limit established; use at cosmetically effective levels (typically 1–10%)
Allergen Alert : No — not classified as a known cosmetic allergen under EU Regulation 1223/2009
Skin Safety : Safe at recommended use levels; patch test advised for sensitive skin types
Eye Area Use : Use with caution — avoid intentional eye area contact; acceptable in rinse-off formulas at low concentrations
Ingestion : Not for internal use
Pregnancy Use : Considered safe in topical cosmetic use; consult a physician if concerns exist
Child Safety : Safe above 3 years in rinse-off products; use diluted in leave-on formulas for young children
Ventilation : Not required under normal handling and formulation conditions
Storage : Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture; keep container tightly sealed
Container : HDPE, glass, or PET containers recommended; avoid reactive metals

⚠️ Comedogenicity Warning: Myristic Acid has a comedogenicity rating of 3–4 out of 5. Avoid concentrations above 3% in leave-on facial formulations intended for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types.

Working pH Range : 4.5–8.0
Heat Stability : Stable up to 200°C; must be fully melted in hot oil phase at 65–70°C before emulsification
Freeze-Thaw Stable : Yes
Emulsion Type : O/W preferred; compatible with W/O systems at low levels
Emulsification Phase: Hot phase — must be completely liquid before combining with the water phase
Compatible With : Stearic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl), natural waxes (beeswax, carnauba), plant butters (shea, cocoa, mango)
Incompatible With : Strong oxidizing agents; concentrated alkalis at elevated temperatures will cause saponification (intentional in soap making; unintentional elsewhere)
Oxidation Risk : Low — fully saturated fatty acid with no double bonds; add Vitamin E at 0.1–0.5% to extend shelf life in oil-rich formulas
Discoloration Risk : None — stable white to off-white color under normal storage and formulation conditions
Formulation Notes : Always melt completely above 60°C before incorporation into a formula. In soap making, apply the correct SAP value: 0.128 for NaOH and 0.180 for KOH to avoid lye excess in the finished bar.

Q: What is Myristic Acid used for in cosmetics?
A: Myristic Acid functions as an emollient, thickener, opacifier, and lather-enhancing agent in soaps, cleansers, creams, and body care products. In leave-on products it conditions and softens skin, while in soaps it saponifies to produce a dense, creamy lather that is difficult to replicate with other fatty acids.

Q: Is Myristic Acid safe for all skin types?
A: Myristic Acid is safe for most skin types at recommended use levels but carries a moderate to high comedogenicity rating of 3–4 out of 5. It is best avoided in high-concentration leave-on formulas designed for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.

Q: At what temperature should Myristic Acid be incorporated into a formula?
A: Myristic Acid should be added to the hot oil phase and fully melted at 65–70°C before emulsification, as its melting point is 54–58°C. Incomplete melting below this range can result in uneven texture and poor emulsion stability.

Q: How does Myristic Acid contribute to lather quality in soap making?
A: Myristic Acid produces one of the creamiest and most stable lather profiles of all soap-making fatty acids. Unlike lauric acid which generates a fast, fluffy burst of foam, myristic acid builds a slower, denser, sustained cream that is especially prized in premium facial bars and shave soap formulations.

Q: How does Myristic Acid compare to Stearic Acid in cosmetic formulations?
A: Both are saturated fatty acids used as emollients and thickeners, but they serve distinct purposes. Myristic acid (C14) excels in lather-building soap applications and delivers a silkier skin feel with strong opacification, while stearic acid (C18) offers greater structural hardness, lower comedogenicity, and is the safer choice for leave-on facial products targeting oily or sensitive skin.