Isopropyl Myristate

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Isopropyl Myristate?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Isopropyl Myristate not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 0–6 months old (newborns, infants) this ingredient is best avoided when possible. It can make skin more likely to absorb other substances and has been linked to some cases of contact allergy. Overall health risks are low in adults, but infants have thinner, more absorbent skin, so we are more cautious.

What to Do

If you care for a newborn or infant, choose products labeled for babies that do not list isopropyl myristate when possible. Do not use creams or lotions with this ingredient on broken skin or large surface areas of an infant. If a product with it is already in use, watch the skin closely for any redness, rash, or swelling and stop use if these appear. For any concerning reaction, contact your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for signs of skin reaction (redness, rash, itching, swelling). The warning comes from published human case reports of contact dermatitis and a lab study showing the ingredient can increase skin absorption (see studies on penetration enhancement and contact allergy). Also note that regulatory reviews (Environment Canada) state it is not expected to be systemically toxic, but those findings are from adult-focused data, not infant-specific tests.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Absorbed: Laboratory research shows isopropyl myristate can act as a penetration enhancer and help other substances pass through the skin (a study tested transdermal permeation). That means it can increase how much gets into a child’s body when used on the skin.
Irritant: Published human case reports have linked isopropyl myristate to allergic contact dermatitis (skin redness, itching, or rash) after use. These are real, documented skin reactions in people.
Immune system: Case studies report allergic reactions to this ingredient, showing it can trigger the immune system in some people and lead to sensitization or allergic responses.
Eczema: Because it has been reported to cause contact dermatitis in humans, isopropyl myristate may trigger or worsen eczema or similar skin conditions in sensitive children.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Isopropyl Myristate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

isopropyl myristateISOPROPYL MYRISTATE (NF)IPM 100LEXOL IPMRADIA 7190ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALUNII-137MVX8C09 COMPONENT AXISYYRBXTVTFY-UHFFFAOYSA-NTETRADECANOIC ACID,ISOPROPYL ESTER (MYRISTATE,ISOPROPYL ESTER)SR-01000944751-1TERT-BUTYL[(1R)-1-CYANO-2-PHENYLETHYL]CARBAMATEISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARD

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Isopropyl Myristate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Isopropyl Myristate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Isopropyl Myristate

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl Myristate is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the absorbed risks of Isopropyl Myristate for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Isopropyl Myristate for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of Isopropyl Myristate for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Isopropyl Myristate for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl Myristate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Isopropyl Myristate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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