Myristic Acid

Concerns
Malassezia Feeding

What is Myristic Acid?

Myristic acid, also known as tetradecanoic acid, is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid with 14 carbon atoms. It occurs naturally in sources like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and nutmeg butter, making up a notable portion of their lipid profiles. In cosmetics, it serves primarily in rinse-off products such as soaps, shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. As a surfactant, it reduces surface tension between water and oils, aiding in the removal of dirt and sebum. It also acts as an emulsifying agent by stabilizing oil-in-water mixtures, contributing to creamy textures. Additionally, it provides opacifying effects for visual appeal and can enhance fragrance profiles. Derived through hydrolysis of natural fats, it is biodegradable and integrates well into formulations requiring effective cleansing without residue.

Comedogenic Rating 3/5 Higher 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:

Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Opacifying agent
Makes a formula less transparent to create a creamy, opaque look; can also help visually mask suspended particles and improve aesthetic uniformity.
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.
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

Supports thorough cleansing by forming micelles that lift away oils and impurities.

Helps create stable emulsions for smooth, consistent product textures.

Provides opacity to formulas, enhancing their visual creaminess.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with normal to dry skin using rinse-off cleansers.
Those with oily skin due to potential pore-clogging effects.
Individuals seeking effective surfactants in shampoos or body washes.
People prone to malassezia-related issues like fungal acne.
Users preferring plant-derived ingredients in daily hygiene products.
Individuals sensitive to fatty acid-based surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG, indicating minimal risk in typical use.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic applications by regulatory reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Myristic Acid

What is myristic acid derived from?

It comes from natural sources like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and nutmeg.

Is myristic acid comedogenic?

It has a moderate comedogenic rating, potentially unsuitable for oily skin.

What roles does it play in cosmetics?

Primarily surfactant, emulsifier, cleanser, opacifier, and fragrance component.