Octyldodecyl Myristate

Octyldodecyl Myristate is a fatty acid ester emollient/skin-conditioning agent typically used at a few percent up to ~10%+ in creams and sunscreens to improve slip and reduce transepidermal water loss. Esters like this are generally low on irritation in patch testing, with reactions uncommon and more often related to comedogenicity or individual intolerance rather than true irritancy. For highly reactive or eczematous skin I still consider a small risk of stinging on compromised barriers, but overall it fits a very gentle, low-irritancy profile. Safety Notes: Octyldodecyl Myristate is used as an emollient/skin-feel modifier and solubilizing oily ester, so it appears at very low levels (~0.1–1%) in leave-on lotions/serums and color cosmetics to improve slip and reduce tack. In richer leave-on creams, sunscreens, and makeup (e.g., lip products, foundations), it is commonly used in the mid-single digits up to the teens as part of the emollient phase, and high-emollience anhydrous balms/sticks can push it into the ~20–35% range as a primary ester component. Rinse-off products typically sit toward the low end (often ≤5%) because the ester is less functionally necessary and can suppress foam.