Sodium Myreth Sulfate

Sulfate Surfactant

What is Sodium Myreth Sulfate?

Sodium myreth sulfate is a synthetic anionic surfactant derived from myristyl alcohol, which undergoes ethoxylation followed by sulfation and neutralization with sodium. This process yields a water-soluble compound with a fatty alcohol chain and sulfate head group, making it effective in personal care formulations. Primarily used in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and bubble baths, it functions by lowering surface tension between water and oils, allowing dirt, sebum, and residues to be encapsulated in micelles for easy rinsing. Its ethoxylated structure enhances mildness, enabling rich foam formation and emulsion stabilization without excessive drying. In leave-on products, it appears at lower levels to aid texture uniformity.

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.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Delivers effective cleansing by lifting oils and impurities from skin and hair.

Produces stable foam to improve product application and rinse-off.

Supports emulsion stability for smooth, consistent lotion 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
Individuals seeking gentle foaming cleansers for daily hair and body care.
Those with known sulfite sensitivities or sulfate allergies.
Users of shampoos and washes preferring rich lather without harshness.
Individuals preferring completely sulfate-free formulations.
People with normal skin types using emulsified skincare products.
People experiencing irritation from similar anionic surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.
  • Displays lower irritation potential than non-ethoxylated sulfate surfactants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Myreth Sulfate

What does sodium myreth sulfate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse by removing dirt and oils, while foaming and emulsifying for better texture.

Is it irritating to skin?

It has low irritation potential, especially in rinse-off uses, due to its ethoxylated structure.

Safe for everyday use?

Yes, safe in typical cosmetic concentrations per safety assessments.