murphyMyristic Acid
AKA: Tetradecanoic acid, 544-63-8, N-Tetradecanoic acid, N-Tetradecan-1-oic acid, Crodacid, 1-Tridecanecarboxylic acid, N-Tetradecoic acid, Hydrofol acid 1495, Univol U 316S
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Fragrance
Emulsifier
Acid
Clean
OriginNative to USA. Derived from nutmeg seeds and palm plant oils, myristic acid is a saturated fatty acid found naturally in these botanical sources. Isolated through saponification or hydrolysis of the plant oils to separate and purify the individual fatty acid component.
Myristic acid is a saturated 14-carbon fatty acid occurring in most animal and vegetable fats, particularly butterfat and coconut, palm, and nutmeg oils. It is used to synthesize flavor and as an ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. (From Dorland, 28th ed). Myristic acid is also commonly added to a penultimate nitrogen terminus glycine in receptor-associated kinases to confer the membrane localisation of the enzyme. this is achieved by the myristic acid having a high enough hydrophobicity to become incorporated into the fatty acyl core of the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane of the eukaryotic cell.(wikipedia).
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C14H28O2
Mol. Weight
228.37
CAS #
544-63-8
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Opacifying
Surfactant Cleansing
Anti-Aging
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Lifts away dirt and oil
Adds pleasant scent
Creates creamy opacity
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 3 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions minimal to slight (CIR 161 and 777)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
13 studies / 6 irritating / 4 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 161 and 504 and 777)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2019
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR