Cetyl myristate

Cetyl myristate (CAS 2599-01-1, EC 220-001-1) is a saturated wax ester formed from cetyl alcohol and myristic acid, also known as palmityl myristate or hexadecyl myristate. It carries no assigned E-code and is not classified as a food additive. The compound belongs to the oils, fats, and waxes category of industrial raw materials.

In personal care formulations, cetyl myristate functions as an emollient and emulsifier, reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases while depositing a smooth, non-greasy film on skin. In lubricant and metalworking applications, its long-chain ester structure provides boundary lubrication and acts as a plasticizer in wax-based compounds, reducing friction between metal surfaces under load.

Cetyl myristate is supplied as a solid and is subject to REACH registration requirements for quantities above one tonne per year within the EU. Procurement teams should confirm supplier compliance documentation, including safety data sheets aligned with CLP regulation, and specify grade requirements based on purity and acid value tolerances.