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A zinc salt of myristic acid, used in cosmetics for its astringent and antimicrobial properties. Less common in nutrition, it functions as an emulsifier or thickener in topical products like creams or lotions.
| Zinc Myristate |  |
| CAS | 16260-27-8 |
| molecular weight | 520.12 |
| molecular formula | C28H54O4Zn |
| solubility | / |
| color | / |
| flavor | / |
| state | / |
| melting point | 132.0 °C |
| boiling point | / |
Zinc myristate, a compound formed by chelating zinc with myristic acid (a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid naturally found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and animal fats), offers a unique blend of benefits across nutrition, industry, and personal care. Combining zinc’s essential roles with myristic acid’s functional properties, it delivers targeted advantages in absorption, stability, and skin health. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits:
1. Enhanced Zinc Absorption via Fatty Acid Chelation
Lipophilic Complex for Efficient Uptake: Myristic acid forms a stable, fat-soluble complex with zinc, allowing it to be absorbed through lipid transport pathways in the intestines. This bypasses common barriers to zinc absorption (e.g., phytates in grains, oxalates in leafy greens), making it particularly useful for individuals with digestive sensitivities or absorption issues.
Sustained Release Mechanism: The fatty acid backbone acts as a time-release carrier, ensuring a gradual and steady supply of zinc to cells—critical for maintaining consistent zinc levels for enzymatic reactions, immune function, and DNA synthesis without abrupt fluctuations in blood zinc levels.
2. Industrial Applications as a Premium Metal Soap
Plastics and Polymer Stabilization: In manufacturing, zinc myristate functions as a “metal soap,” providing heat stability, lubrication, and anti-corrosive properties to PVC compounds, polyolefins, and rubber. It reduces friction during extrusion or molding, enhances product durability, and prevents degradation from heat or UV exposure—essential for applications in automotive, construction, and packaging industries.
Coatings and Adhesives Enhancement: Improves the texture, adhesion, and water resistance of paints, varnishes, and adhesives by acting as an emulsifier and stabilizer. Its fatty acid structure ensures compatibility with organic solvents, making it a key additive in high-performance industrial formulations.
3. Skin Care Benefits: Antimicrobial, Emollient, and Protective
Antimicrobial Defense: Myristic acid has mild antimicrobial activity, helping to combat bacteria and fungi on the skin. Zinc myristate is often used in topical products (creams, lotions, deodorants) to reduce microbial growth, soothe irritated skin, and prevent odor-causing bacteria—ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Emollient and Barrier Support: The fatty acid component acts as a moisturizing agent, locking in hydration and improving skin elasticity. Zinc further supports skin barrier function by aiding in collagen synthesis and epithelial cell repair, reducing transepidermal water loss and protecting against environmental stressors (e.g., pollution, cold weather).
Non-Comedogenic Formulation: Lightweight and easily absorbed, zinc myristate does not clog pores, making it suitable for facial products targeting oily or acne-prone skin types.
4. Gentle on Digestion with Broad Applicability
Reduced Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Unlike inorganic zinc salts (e.g., zinc sulfate, oxide), which can cause nausea, diarrhea, or stomach irritation, zinc myristate’s fatty acid structure minimizes osmotic pressure in the intestines, ensuring gentle digestion—ideal for individuals with sensitive guts, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or those who prefer taking supplements on an empty stomach.
pH-Neutral Absorption: Stable across a wide pH range, it does not rely on strong stomach acid to dissolve, making it accessible to older adults, those on acid-suppressing medications, or anyone with reduced gastric acid.
5. Natural Origins and Regulatory Safety
Sustainable Sourcing: Derived from natural fatty acids (primarily from plant oils like coconut or palm kernel oil), zinc myristate aligns with clean-label and eco-friendly trends, appealing to consumers and manufacturers prioritizing natural ingredients.
GRAS-Approved and Multi-Industry Compliance: Recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies (FDA, EFSA) for use in food, supplements, and cosmetics, it meets strict safety standards for diverse applications without compromising quality or efficacy.
6. Potential Nutritional and Metabolic Support
Synergy with Lipid Metabolism: Myristic acid, as a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), is metabolized efficiently for energy, while zinc supports enzymes involved in lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. This makes zinc myristate a strategic choice for metabolic health supplements, particularly in formulations targeting energy production or nutrient absorption.
Pet Nutrition: Added to pet food as a zinc source and preservative, supporting bone health, immune function, and skin integrity in animals while extending product shelf-life—especially beneficial for premium or natural pet food lines.
Who Benefits from Zinc Myristate?
Nutrition Brands: Seeking a bioavailable zinc source with fatty acid benefits for supplements or functional foods.
Industrial Manufacturers: Requiring high-performance metal soaps for plastic, coating, or adhesive applications.
Skin Care Formulators: Looking for natural antimicrobial, emollient ingredients for gentle, effective topical products.
Consumers: Opting for gentle, multi-functional supplements or “clean” personal care items free from synthetic additives.
Zinc myristate stands out for its ability to merge zinc’s nutritional and regulatory roles with myristic acid’s functional properties, offering solutions that span health, industry, and beauty. Its natural origins, safety profile, and versatility make it a valuable ingredient for applications where efficacy, sustainability, and gentle performance are paramount.
Zinc myristate’s fatty acid chelation revolutionizes how zinc is absorbed and utilized by the body:
Lipophilic Transport Mechanism: Myristic acid forms a stable, fat-soluble complex with zinc, allowing it to bypass the digestive barriers that hinder inorganic zinc salts (e.g., zinc sulfate, oxide). Unlike water-soluble zinc forms, which can bind to phytates (in grains) or oxalates (in leafy greens) and become insoluble, zinc myristate is absorbed through lipid transport pathways in the intestines. This significantly increases bioavailability, especially for individuals with low gastric acid, digestive disorders, or diets high in fiber—groups often prone to zinc deficiency.
Sustained Release for Cellular Stability: The fatty acid backbone acts as a time-release carrier, ensuring a gradual, steady supply of zinc to cells. This avoids abrupt spikes in blood zinc levels, instead providing a consistent source for critical functions like enzyme activation (over 300 zinc-dependent enzymes), immune cell development, and DNA synthesis. By delivering zinc where and when it’s needed, zinc myristate maximizes its impact on systemic health while minimizing waste.
Zinc myristate’s dual properties make it a multifunctional hero for skin care:
Antimicrobial Defense: Myristic acid has natural antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of bacteria (e.g., Propionibacterium acnes linked to acne) and fungi on the skin. When applied topically, zinc myristate helps combat breakouts, reduce inflammation, and neutralize odor-causing microbes—making it a key ingredient in acne treatments, deodorants, and soothing creams for irritated skin.
Barrier Repair & Hydration: Myristic acid acts as an emollient, softening skin and locking in moisture to improve elasticity and prevent transepidermal water loss. Zinc complements this by supporting collagen synthesis and epithelial cell repair, strengthening the skin barrier to resist environmental stressors (e.g., pollution, UV radiation) and promote wound healing. Together, they address dryness, roughness, and compromised barrier function (common in eczema or aging skin).
Non-Comedogenic and Gentle: Its lightweight, easily absorbed structure ensures zinc myristate does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types—especially oily or acne-prone skin. Unlike harsh synthetic antimicrobial agents, its natural fatty acid base is biocompatible, reducing the risk of irritation for sensitive skin.
Zinc myristate’s appeal lies in its harmonious blend of natural origins and scientific efficacy:
Natural, Biocompatible Design: Derived from myristic acid (abundant in coconut oil and palm kernel oil) and zinc, it aligns with consumer preferences for “clean” ingredients. Myristic acid is a naturally occurring medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) that the body recognizes and utilizes efficiently, ensuring minimal risk of adverse reactions.
Regulatory Safety & Multi-Application Use: Approved as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies (FDA, EFSA), zinc myristate is versatile for both oral supplements (boosting systemic zinc levels for immune and metabolic health) and topical formulations (targeting localized skin concerns). Its stability in various pH environments and lack of harsh additives make it a trusted choice for sensitive populations, including infants, seniors, and those with reactive skin.
Why Zinc Myristate Matters for Bioavailability and Skin Health
By merging the nutritional power of zinc with the functional benefits of myristic acid, zinc myristate offers a two-in-one solution that:
Optimizes zinc absorption for those who struggle with traditional zinc supplements, ensuring the mineral reaches cells where it’s needed for immunity, metabolism, and DNA repair.
Transforms skin health through antimicrobial protection, barrier repair, and hydration, addressing common concerns from acne to dryness with a gentle, natural approach.
In a world where efficacy and gentleness are often at odds, zinc myristate proves that science and nature can work in tandem—delivering measurable benefits for both the body’s internal systems and its outermost protective layer. Whether as a key ingredient in supplements or skin care, it’s a testament to how smart chelation can elevate nutrient delivery and skin wellness alike.
