Myristamidopropylamine Oxide

What is Myristamidopropylamine Oxide?

Myristamidopropylamine oxide is a synthetic amphoteric surfactant produced by oxidizing myristamidopropylamine, derived from myristic acid—a saturated C14 fatty acid sourced from coconut or palm oils. It features an amine oxide functional group, enabling zwitterionic behavior that balances positive and negative charges for mild action. Primarily found in rinse-off hair and body cleansing products like shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, it functions by lowering surface tension to create stable micelles that lift dirt and oils. Its dual cationic-anionic properties allow it to cleanse effectively at neutral pH while depositing conditioning benefits on hair shafts, improving texture without residue buildup. As a foam booster and hydrotrope, it enhances lather quality and solubilizes other ingredients, contributing to clear, stable formulations.

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

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
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.
Hydrotrope
Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing that removes impurities while preserving natural oils.

Enhances hair softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static.

Boosts rich, creamy foam for a satisfying wash experience in shampoos and cleansers.

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 normal or oily hair seeking improved manageability and volume.
Those with known allergies to fatty acid derivatives.
Users of daily cleansing products wanting mild surfactants without dryness.
Individuals experiencing irritation from amine oxide surfactants.
People preferring products with stable lather and clear formulations.
People with extremely sensitive scalps preferring anionic-free formulas.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental health databases.
  • Deemed safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics by cosmetic safety panels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Myristamidopropylamine Oxide

What does Myristamidopropylamine Oxide do in products?

It acts as a gentle cleanser, foam booster, hair conditioner, and antistatic agent in shampoos and washes.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It has a low irritation profile in rinse-off products, suitable for most users.

Does it clog pores?

Rated non-comedogenic, making it fine for acne-prone skin in cleansing formulas.