Isopropyl myristate (IPM) is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. Isopropyl myristate is a polar emollient and is used in cosmetic and topical medicinal preparations where good absorption into the skin is desired. Isopropyl myristate is being studied as a skin enhancer. It is also used as a pesticide against head lice which works by dissolving the wax that covers the exoskeleton of head lice, killing them by dehydration.[2] It is used in the same way in flea and tick killing products for pets.