Health Guide

Isopropylmyristate

Isopropylmyristate is a clear, odorless liquid ester derived from myristic acid (found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil) and isopropyl alcohol. While widely known in cosmetics as a superior moisturizer, it is also used as a dietary supplement carrier. Think of it as nature's 'delivery truck'—it helps transport fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K) into your body effectively. It is naturally present in small amounts in various foods, including apple seeds and nutmeg.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Absorption Efficiency of Vitamin E with Carriers

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Absorption Rate (%)

Delivery Method →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Acts as a solvent to help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Deep Moisturization: Penetrates the skin barrier to prevent water loss, keeping skin supple.
Clean Delivery System: Provides a stable, non-toxic vehicle for active ingredients in supplements.

Deep Dive

Isopropylmyristate functions primarily as a 'bio-enhancer.' When you take a fat-soluble vitamin, it needs a fat molecule to hitch a ride on to get into your bloodstream. Isopropylmyristate mimics natural skin oils (sebum), making it incredibly efficient at crossing biological barriers. In the context of dietary supplements, it ensures that the active ingredients you are paying for actually get utilized by your body rather than being wasted.

Natural Food Sources

While Isopropylmyristate is primarily manufactured for purity in supplements, it occurs naturally in the essential oils of various plants.

Food Source	Part Used	Esters Present
Apple Seeds	Seeds	Trace amounts of fatty acid esters
Nutmeg	Essential Oil	Contains Myristic Acid esters
Coconut Oil	Fruit	Source of the raw Myristic Acid
Paracress	Leaves	Naturally occurring lipids

Supplementation

Dosage: There is no standard RDA for Isopropylmyristate itself, as it is a carrier. However, in clinical settings, doses of 100mg to 500mg are often used to boost absorption.

Who should take it? It is ideal for individuals with fat malabsorption issues (such as Celiac disease or Crohn's disease) who struggle to absorb vitamins from food. It is also excellent for those looking to improve skin health from the inside out.

Top Food Sources

Nutmeg (Essential Oil)

Used as a flavoring

Apple Seeds

Do not eat seeds in large quantities

Coconut Oil

Raw material for production

Paracress

South African herb

Synthesized

Pure form for supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a semi-synthetic ester. It is made by combining myristic acid (natural, found in coconut oil) with isopropyl alcohol (synthetic). It mimics natural compounds found in the body.

Surprisingly, yes. Despite being an oil, it has a comedogenic rating of 0-1, meaning it does not clog pores. It can actually help dissolve excess sebum on the skin.

Yes. Isopropylmyristate is highly refined and does not contain the proteins that cause nut allergies. It is derived from the oil/fat of the nut, not the protein.

Many vitamins (especially A, D, E, and K) are fat-soluble. Without a carrier like Isopropylmyristate, your body might struggle to break down the capsule and absorb the vitamin efficiently.

Safety & Side Effects

Isopropylmyristate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and is non-toxic.

Side Effects: Extremely rare. High oral doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (loose stools) due to its oily nature. Topically, it rarely causes irritation but can feel greasy.

Interactions: None known. It is chemically inert and does not interact with common medications.

Caution: Because it is a lipid, those on strict ketogenic diets should account for it in their daily fat macros.

Scientific References

[1]Journal of Cosmetic Science: 'The efficacy of Isopropylmyristate as a transdermal penetration enhancer.'
[2]Food and Chemical Toxicology: 'Safety assessment of fatty acid esters.'
[3]International Journal of Pharmaceutics: 'Use of esters in oral drug delivery systems.'