Myristamine Oxide

Benefits
CleansingAntistatic

What is Myristamine Oxide?

Myristamine Oxide is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the amine oxide family, synthesized from myristyl alcohol—a C14 fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like coconut or palm kernel oil—and dimethylamine. Its structure includes a hydrophobic alkyl chain and a hydrophilic oxide group, enabling it to act as an amphiphile that reduces interfacial tension between water and oils. Primarily used in rinse-off personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, it excels at generating stable foam, aiding in the dispersion of hydrophobic components like fragrances, and providing light conditioning effects. By adsorbing onto hair surfaces, it minimizes friction, enhances slip, and neutralizes static charges, contributing to smoother, more manageable strands. Its mild nature supports formulation of clear, stable emulsions without compromising sensory appeal.

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.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Provides effective yet gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and excess oils.

Enhances foam quality for a richer, more stable lather in washes.

Improves hair softness and reduces static for better manageability.

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 seeking mild, conditioning shampoos for everyday use.
Those with rare allergies to amine oxide surfactants.
People with fine or static-prone hair wanting smoother results.
People sensitive to foam in eye-area products.
Users preferring low-hazard surfactants in body and facial cleansers.
Individuals avoiding synthetic fatty acid derivatives.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal irritation potential in rinse-off uses.
  • Safe for cosmetic applications per expert safety assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Myristamine Oxide

What does Myristamine Oxide do in products?

It cleanses gently, boosts foam, conditions hair, and solubilizes fragrances for stability.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its low irritation profile makes it a good choice for mild formulations.

Can it help with static hair?

Yes, it reduces static and improves manageability as an antistatic agent.