* A fatty acid

* Also known as Tetradecanoic Acid

Functions:

Myristic Acid is a fatty acid found in nutmeg, palm oil, coconut oil, butter fat, and spermacetin, the oil from the sperm whale, according to Wikipedia. It has a variety of uses in the beauty industry, including as a: Fragrance Ingredient; Opacifying Agent; Surfactant; Cleansing Agent; and Emulsifier (Source). One of its primary properties is as a lubricant, due to its high rate of absorption by the skin.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

According to the Cosmetics Database, Myristic Acid is 68% safe, and the FDA has approved as a food additive, although there have been petitions filed against this status (possibly by PETA). The CIR expert panel approves it for use up to 13% concentration. Myristic Acid was found to be a primary irritant in a 1976 study, although the concentration limits imposed by the CIR should negate most reactions. It is considered a neurotoxin, although studies only show occurrences in rats and only after large doses not related to the concentrations found in cosmetics and beauty products.

Recommended Products w/ Myristic Acid:

gloTherapeutics gloConditioning Restorative Mask, Ikove Acai Chocolate Facial Exfoliate, Dermalogica Pre Shave Guard, Kose Junkisu Pure Body Wash