Myristic Acid
Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 14-carbon chain, naturally found in nutmeg, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and butter fat. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint odor. It is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, surfactants, and food additives due to its emollient and cleansing properties. Myristic Acid acts as a key intermediate in the production of esters, detergents, and lubricants.
Myristic Acid
Primary Uses
- Soap and Detergent Manufacturing
- Used as a cleansing agent and foam booster in bar soaps and liquid detergents.
- Enhances hardness and lather quality of soaps.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- Used in creams, lotions, and hair care products as an emollient and thickening agent.
- Provides smooth texture and moisturizing properties.
- Surfactants and Emulsifiers
- Serves as a raw material for fatty acid esters used in surfactants and emulsifiers.
- Used in the production of detergents, shampoos, and cleansing products.
- Food Industry
- Used as a flavoring agent and texture enhancer in food formulations (approved as food additive E570).
Secondary UsesÂ
- Lubricants and Greases
- Utilized as a component in the synthesis of lubricants and greases for improved performance.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used in ointments and creams as a thickener and emollient.
- Plasticizers and Additives
- Employed as an intermediate in plasticizer production.
- Industrial Chemicals
- Used in the synthesis of myristates and other chemical intermediates.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tetradecanoic acid
- Common/Trade Name: Myristic Acid
- CAS Number: 544-63-8
- HS Code: 2915.71
- Synonyms: Tetradecylic acid
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline solid
- Color & Odor: White; faint fatty odor
- Melting Point: 54.4°C
- Boiling Point: 251°C (decomposes)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils
- Density: 0.853 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal handling
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; may cause mild skin irritation on prolonged contact
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture
- Container Type: Supplied in drums or bags
- Shelf Life: Typically 1–2 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust and prolonged skin contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with REACH, FDA, and other relevant standards
- Approved as a food additive and cosmetic ingredient
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental risk
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and safety goggles recommended
- Handling Guidelines: Use dust mask if handling powder; avoid inhalation and skin contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; discontinue use if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of smoke or fumes
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and hydrocarbons
Related products
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol, also known as 1-Hexadecanol or Palmityl Alcohol, is a fatty alcohol derived primarily from natural sources such as palm oil and coconut oil. It appears as a waxy, white to pale yellow solid with a faint fatty odor. Cetyl Alcohol is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations due to its emollient, emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It helps improve texture, consistency, and moisturizing effects in personal care products. Cetyl Alcohol is compatible with many ingredients, making it a versatile multifunctional ingredient.
Cetyl Palmitate
Cetyl Palmitate is a naturally derived ester formed by the reaction of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid with a mild fatty odor. This compound is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations for its emollient, thickening, and texture-enhancing properties. Cetyl Palmitate imparts a smooth, creamy feel to products and contributes to improved stability and consistency in creams, lotions, balms, and ointments. Its film-forming and skin-conditioning attributes make it a preferred ingredient in personal care products as well as in specialty industrial applications.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter, also known as Theobroma oil, is a pale-yellow, edible fat extracted from cocoa beans, primarily from Theobroma cacao. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, characteristic chocolate aroma. Cocoa Butter is solid at room temperature but melts near body temperature, which gives it a luxurious feel when applied to skin or consumed. It is highly valued for its emollient, moisturizing, and protective properties. Cocoa Butter is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and confectionery industries. Its stable composition rich in fatty acids such as stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids imparts excellent oxidative stability and a long shelf life.
Coffee Butter
Coffee Butter is a natural, plant-derived fat extracted primarily from the coffee seed pulp or coffee cherry, sometimes from the coffee bean itself. It is a creamy, pale yellow to light brown solid at room temperature with a mild coffee aroma. Coffee Butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, skincare, and specialty food products. Known for its emollient, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties, Coffee Butter helps to nourish and protect the skin while providing a pleasant sensory experience. It is gaining popularity as a sustainable by-product of coffee processing, contributing to zero-waste initiatives.
Fatty Acid
Fatty acids are a group of carboxylic acids consisting of long aliphatic chains, which can be either saturated or unsaturated. They are typically derived from natural fats and oils through hydrolysis or saponification and appear as colorless to pale yellow liquids or solids depending on the chain length and degree of saturation. Fatty acids are fundamental building blocks in biochemistry and industrial chemistry, serving as raw materials in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, lubricants, cosmetics, plastics, and food additives. Their amphiphilic nature—containing both hydrophilic (carboxyl group) and hydrophobic (alkyl chain) components—makes them versatile for various chemical and industrial applications.
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is a highly purified, odorless, white to pale yellow wax obtained from the refining of petroleum-derived crude paraffin wax. It consists primarily of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) with chain lengths typically between C20 and C40. Due to its excellent chemical stability, non-toxicity, and versatility, Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is widely used across numerous industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, candle making, rubber processing, and electrical insulation. It exhibits a high melting point, low volatility, and good water resistance.
Lanolin Anhydrous
Lanolin Anhydrous is a purified, waxy substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep’s wool. It appears as a yellow to amber, semi-solid wax with a characteristic mild odor. Lanolin is highly valued for its excellent emollient, moisturizing, and protective properties, making it widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations. The anhydrous form is free from water, which enhances its stability and shelf life, and allows it to act as a natural barrier to lock moisture into the skin.
Olive Butter
Olive Butter is a natural, creamy, and rich emollient derived from cold-pressed olive oil combined with other natural butters (such as shea or cocoa butter) to create a luxurious skin-conditioning product. It is prized for its deep moisturizing, antioxidant-rich, and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations. Olive Butter enhances skin elasticity, provides nourishment, and forms a protective barrier against environmental stressors.

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