Comedogenic rating
Isopropyl Myristate Comedogenic Rating
Rating
5
out of 5 (range 5)
Pore-clogging risk
HighFrequently clogs pores, particularly on the face. Best kept to body use or avoided.
Category
Ester or alcohol
Isopropyl myristate rates the maximum 5 and is a common texture-enhancing ester that frequently triggers congestion in acne-prone skin.
What a rating of 5 means
A rating of 5 makes isopropyl myristate one of the most pore-clogging cosmetic ingredients. It is added to make products feel silky and absorb fast, but that same penetration can drag debris into pores and cause breakouts.
Fatty acid profile
Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester, not a natural oil. It is used as a penetration enhancer and emollient to reduce greasiness, which improves product feel but raises clogging risk for breakout-prone skin.
Key fatty acids: A synthetic ester of myristic acid.
Profile: A penetration-enhancing ester, not a natural oil.
Best for
- Used at low levels for texture
Use caution with
- Acne-prone skin
- Congestion-prone skin
Who should use it
Acne-prone and congestion-prone skin should scan ingredient lists and limit products high in isopropyl myristate. People who want a non-synthetic, low-clog moisturizer often prefer a single-ingredient natural fat.
How it compares to beef tallow
Where isopropyl myristate is a high-clog synthetic ester, beef tallow is a single natural fat that rates around 2, which is why simple tallow appeals to people avoiding pore-clogging additives.
How to apply it
If you break out easily, check labels for isopropyl myristate near the top of the ingredient list and choose simpler formulas.
Common questions
Is isopropyl myristate comedogenic?
Yes. Isopropyl myristate rates 5, the maximum on the comedogenic scale, and frequently causes congestion in acne-prone skin.
Why is isopropyl myristate used in skincare?
It improves texture by making products feel silky and absorb quickly, but that penetration also raises the risk of clogged pores.
How do I avoid pore-clogging esters like this?
Choose simple formulas. A single-ingredient natural fat such as beef tallow avoids synthetic penetration enhancers entirely.
Want richness with a low comedogenic rating?
Beef tallow rates around 1 to 2 and mirrors skin sebum, which makes it an easy face swap if isopropyl myristate feels too heavy or clogging. Misun Health uses a single grass-fed ingredient with no fragrance or fillers.
Compare related ingredients
- Coconut Oil (rates 4)
- Cocoa Butter (rates 4)
- Squalane (rates 1)
- Wheat Germ Oil (rates 5)
- Flaxseed Oil (rates 4)
- Palm Oil (rates 4)
Educational content only. This page is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Comedogenic ratings are general guides that can vary by source and by individual skin. Patch test new products before regular use.