Potassium Myristate

What is Potassium Myristate?

Potassium Myristate is the potassium salt of myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid typically sourced from plant oils like palm kernel or coconut. In cosmetics, it appears mainly in rinse-off products such as bar soaps, liquid cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. Chemically, it functions by dissociating into myristate ions that reduce surface tension between water and oils, allowing dirt and sebum to be encapsulated in micelles for easy rinsing. This surfactant property also aids in creating lather for a satisfying cleanse. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes formulations by bridging oil and water phases, contributing to uniform textures in washes and light emulsions. Its mild nature stems from the C14 chain length, balancing cleansing power with reduced harshness compared to shorter-chain soaps.

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:

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

Provides effective yet gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils from skin.

Supports foaming action for a refreshing lather in washes and shampoos.

Helps create stable emulsions for consistent product textures.

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 seeking non-comedogenic cleansers for daily use.
Those with known allergies to fatty acid salts.
Individuals with normal to oily skin needing mild surfactants.
People experiencing dryness from alkaline soaps.
Users of bar soaps or bubble baths preferring plant-derived ingredients.
Individuals preferring anhydrous or soap-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
  • Generally suitable for rinse-off products at typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Potassium Myristate

What is Potassium Myristate derived from?

It comes from myristic acid, a fatty acid in plant oils like palm kernel or coconut.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Safety reviews indicate low irritation potential in rinse-off products.

Does it cause breakouts?

It carries a zero comedogenic rating, unlikely to clog pores.