Description

Technical Details

INCI: Isopropyl Myristate
Purity: 99%

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Odorless to very faint

Solubility: Oil-soluble
Phase: Oil phase or cool-down phase

Recommended Usage: 1–10%

Functionality:
• Emollient
• Sensory modifier
• Penetration enhancer
• Diluent

Stability: Highly stable, resistant to oxidation (non-rancid)

Why Formulators Love IPM

Instant Texture Upgrade

IPM dramatically improves the spreadability and glide of formulations, eliminating drag and heaviness.

Reduces Greasiness

Transforms thick oils and butters into lightweight, elegant formulations without compromising performance.

Enhances Absorption

Improves the penetration of actives, helping formulations feel more effective and fast-acting.

Versatile Performance

Works across emulsions, anhydrous systems, and color cosmetics, making it a staple in professional labs.

Common Uses in Cosmetic Formulation

IPM is used extensively across product categories where skin feel and absorption are critical:

• Lotions and creams
• Body oils and serums
• Whipped butters and balms
• Lotion bars
• Lip products
• Makeup formulations
• Fragrance oils and perfumes
• Sunscreen systems

Benefits

Skin Benefits

• Creates a smooth, silky skin feel
• Reduces heavy, oily residue
• Improves product absorption
• Enhances overall formulation elegance

Formulation Benefits

• Improves spreadability and glide
• Reduces tackiness and drag
• Acts as a fragrance diluent
• Stabilizes sensory profile of oil-heavy systems

Pro Tips 

IPM is best used as a texture-balancing tool, not the main oil phase.

• Use at 3–5% for noticeable sensory improvement
• Increase up to 10% in heavy formulations (e.g., body butters)
• Combine with fast-absorbing emollients like Squalane for ultra-light textures

In anhydrous systems, IPM can completely transform the user experience, turning a greasy balm into a dry-touch, premium product.

Formulation Pairing — Multiple Intelligent Pathways

Lightweight Body Oil System

IPM + Squalane + Sunflower Oil + Vitamin E
→ Fast-absorbing, non-greasy body oil

Whipped Butter 

Shea Butter + Cocoa Butter + IPM + Fractionated Coconut Oil
→ Rich but non-greasy body butter

Acne-Friendly Oil Serum

Jojoba Oil + Hemp Seed Oil + IPM + Tea Tree Essential Oil
→ Lightweight, fast-absorbing facial oil

Makeup Base Enhancer

IPM + Dimethicone + Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides
→ Improves slip, spread, and finish in makeup products

Ingredient Comparisons & Alternatives

IPM vs Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (MCT Oil)

Both improve skin feel, but IPM provides a drier, silkier finish, while MCT offers more hydration.

IPM vs Dimethicone

Dimethicone provides occlusion and slip, while IPM offers a lighter, non-occlusive dry touch.

IPM vs Isopropyl Palmitate

Both are esters, but IPM is generally preferred for lighter, less greasy formulations.

IPM Pairs Well With

IPM works exceptionally well with:

• Shea Butter
• Cocoa Butter
• Squalane
• Jojoba Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Dimethicone
• Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides
• Vitamin E

Formulation Inspiration

Luxury Dry-Touch Body Oil 

Sunflower Oil — 37.5%
Squalane — 25%
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides — 20%
Isopropyl Myristate (IPM) — 15%
Vitamin E — 0.5%
Fragrance or Essential Oil Blend — 2%

FAQs

1. Is IPM suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?

IPM can feel lightweight, but in some cases may be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin, so usage levels should be carefully controlled.

2. Can beginners use IPM in formulations?

Yes. It is easy to incorporate into oil phases and anhydrous formulations.

3. Does IPM replace carrier oils?

No. It is a functional modifier, not a nutrient-rich oil.

4. Can IPM be used in water-based products?

Only within emulsions. It must be incorporated into the oil phase.

5. Why does IPM improve absorption?

It acts as a penetration enhancer, helping actives spread and absorb more efficiently.

Shelf Life & Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Keep container tightly closed.

IPM is highly stable and resistant to oxidation.

The Skin Foodie Formulation Standard

At Skin Foodie, we believe exceptional skincare begins with exceptional ingredients and thoughtful formulation design. Our ingredients are carefully sourced to help formulators create products that are effective, stable, and beautifully balanced.

Because in cosmetic science, selecting the right ingredient is only the beginning, how ingredients are combined is what transforms a formula into a high-performance product.

Skin Foodie exists to support formulators with high-quality ingredients, formulation knowledge, and the tools needed to create world-class skincare and haircare products.

Disclaimer

For cosmetic formulation use only. Not intended for ingestion or internal use.

Because many of our ingredients are naturally derived, variations in color, aroma, or texture may occur from batch to batch without affecting performance.

All formulators are responsible for conducting proper research, stability testing, and compatibility testing when developing cosmetic products.