IPM - Isopropyl Myristate

[lillybella]

Is Isopropyl Myristate considered a Vegan ingredient and natural?

Thank you :grin:

 

[shunt2011]

I found this with google....Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic oil widely used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries as a lubricant, emollient, and as a non-toxic alternative for controlling head lice. The oil is manufactured by condensing myristic acid with isopropyl alcohol and is colorless and mild in odor. It is readily absorbed by the skin and lessens the greasy nature of cosmetics while lending them a sheer, slick feel. In addition, it is commonly used as an additive in oral hygiene products, such as mouthwash. Although generally considered to be safe, isopropyl myristate may cause mild allergic reactions and could aggravate skin conditions, such as acne.

 

[lillybella]

Thank you so much shunt!

 

[Dahila]

IPM is an ester of isopropanol (the alcohol) and myristic acid (the carboxylic acid), so it's called an isopropyl ester. It has only one fatty acid chain - as compared to something like olive oil (a triglyceride), which has a glycerin backbone and three fatty acid chains. The length of the chains is an important feature with esters: The shorter chains, like IPM, feel drier and have less impact on foam in surfactant products. The longer chains (like glycol stearate or glycol distearate) tend to be greasier and have more impact on foam.


It is used as a light penetration enhancer, bringing your lovely ingredients deeper into the skin, and you'll find it in many medical applications for this reason. It reduces residue in things like anti-perspirant, so if you've got a lotion that just won't sink in or leaves behind a white mess, IPM at 2% is perfect for you!
So why would we use IPM in our creations?

• To impart a less greasy feel
• To act as a dry, astringent emollient
• To bring ingredients deeper into the skin
• To reduce residue from other ingredients

 

[lillybella]

Thank you Dahila