Myristamidopropyl Betaine

What is Myristamidopropyl Betaine?

Myristamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant synthesized from myristic acid, a common saturated fatty acid sourced from plant oils such as palm kernel or coconut. Its chemical structure includes a betaine group with both cationic and anionic properties, enabling balanced, non-irritating performance. Primarily featured in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and conditioners, it works by lowering surface tension to lift dirt and oils effectively while forming stable, creamy foam. Additionally, it neutralizes static on hair, improves slip for better combing, and deposits a light conditioning layer on skin and strands, enhancing texture without residue. This versatility supports its use in mild, everyday formulations, often paired with other surfactants for optimized cleansing and sensory appeal.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Delivers gentle cleansing that removes impurities without stripping natural moisture.

Boosts rich, stable foam for a satisfying lather in washes and shampoos.

Provides conditioning effects to soften hair and smooth skin surfaces.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with sensitive skin seeking mild daily cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to betaine surfactants.
People with dry or frizzy hair needing antistatic smoothness.
People sensitive to fatty acid-derived ingredients.
Users preferring foam-rich products for enhanced cleansing feel.
Individuals experiencing contact reactions to similar amphoterics.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews when formulated properly.
  • Low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Myristamidopropyl Betaine

What makes it different from other surfactants?

Its amphoteric nature provides milder action and better compatibility with skin's pH compared to harsher anionics.

Is it suitable for baby products?

Often included in gentle, tear-free formulas due to its low irritation profile.

Does it help with hair manageability?

Yes, by reducing static and friction for smoother, easier-to-style hair.