Isopropyl myristate

Isopropyl myristate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, primarily used as a topical agent in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. It acts as an emollient and skin penetration enhancer, improving the absorption of other drugs through the skin. In medical applications, it serves as an active ingredient in non-prescription pediculicide rinses for the treatment of head lice infestation. Its mechanism of action against lice is physical rather than chemical—it coats the exoskeletons of lice, dissolves their waxy covering, blocks their airways, and leads to death by dehydration. Isopropyl myristate does not kill louse eggs (nits). It also finds widespread use in cosmetics (creams, lotions), bath oils, perfumes, hair preparations, shaving lotions, aerosol toiletries, and pharmaceutical ointments[1][2][3][4][5][8].

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Other names

isopropyl myristateIPM