Methyl myristate (CAS 0124-10-7) — Sweet Middle to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Woody

Methyl myristate

CAS 0124-10-7

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Methyl myristate?

Methyl myristate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a waxy, fatty odor reminiscent of coconut or orris root. It’s often used in soaps, detergents, and cosmetic formulations to add a clean, slightly sweet undertone. This ester contributes to the ‘white musk’ family of scents, helping bridge floral and woody notes in perfumery.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No significant restrictions in cosmetic use
✓ Low skin irritation potential
CAS
0124-10-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Methyl myristate Smell Like?

Methyl myristate presents a subtle yet complex odor profile – opening with a fresh, slightly soapy character that evolves into a warm, waxy heart reminiscent of coconut flesh and candle wax. The dry-down reveals a clean, musky undertone with faint floral echoes of orris root. Its diffusive power is moderate but persistent, acting as an excellent fixative for brighter top notes while adding a polished, cosmetic-like finish to fragrance bases.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

White Musk(The Body Shop, 1981)

Used as a key musk-modifier, contributing to the clean, skin-like quality of this iconic fragrance while enhancing longevity.

J'Adore(Dior, 1999)

Provides a silky floral-musk background that supports the ylang-ylang and damask rose heart notes.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Methyl myristate is a fatty acid methyl ester derived from myristic acid. Industrially produced via esterification of myristic acid with methanol, typically using acid catalysis. As a straight-chain ester, it demonstrates excellent stability in alkaline formulations, making it particularly valuable in soap perfumery. The molecule lacks chirality but shows characteristic ester flexibility in its conformational dynamics.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless liquid
Boiling Point323 °C
Density0.866 g/cm³
Flash Point110 °C
Refractive Index1.437

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to Base
Volatility
Medium (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Musk modifier and fixative
Soaps/Detergents0.5-2%Up to 3%Provides clean, lasting scent
Cosmetics0.2-1%Up to 1.5%Skin-scent enhancer

Classic Accords

+ White Musks = Clean Skin Effect + Coconut + Vanilla = Tropical Accord + Iris + Violet = Powdered Cosmetic

Tip: Use to round off sharp citrus notes and add diffusion to musky bases.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Methyl laurate CAS 111-82-0

Shorter chain length provides brighter, more citrusy character while maintaining similar fixative properties.

2
Ethyl myristate CAS 124-06-1

Ethyl ester version with slightly warmer, more pronounced waxy character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe for current use levels based on RIFM evaluations.

Sustainability

Synthesized from renewable palm or coconut oil derivatives, though petrochemical routes also exist. Biodegradability is excellent (OECD 301B), with low aquatic toxicity. Current industry trends favor sustainable palm oil sourcing for natural myristic acid precursors.

Explore Methyl myristate

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Montclair, NJ.
  2. Brenna, E. et al. (2002). Biocatalytic preparation of natural flavours. Biotechnology Advances. DOI:10.1016/S0734-9750

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

Report a data error

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 0124-10-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight242.4 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)6.8🔬 PubChem
log Kp (skin permeability)0.649💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorscoconutfattyhoneywaxy• leffingwell
“Prod.: by direct esterification of Methanol Weak, oily-ornsy odor with a faint, honey- with My;istic acid under azeotropic condi- like undertone and good tenacity.”📖 Arctander
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

Similar Posts