Sodium Myristate

What is Sodium Myristate?

Sodium myristate is the sodium salt of myristic acid, a saturated 14-carbon fatty acid typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils. In cosmetics, it appears mainly in rinse-off products like bar soaps, liquid cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. It functions by reducing surface tension between water and oils, enabling the formation of micelles that trap dirt and sebum for easy rinsing. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures, contributing to smooth textures in formulations. This ingredient provides cleansing power without harshness when balanced with emollients, making it suitable for everyday hygiene products that require lather and rinseability.

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

Delivers effective cleansing by lifting oils and impurities from skin.

Supports foaming action for a satisfying lather in washes.

Helps create stable emulsions for consistent product texture.

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 mild, soap-based cleansers for daily use.
Those with very dry skin, as it may enhance drying if unbalanced.
Individuals with normal to oily skin needing surfactant action.
People experiencing sensitivity to fatty acid soaps.
Users of shampoos or body washes preferring vegetable-derived ingredients.
Individuals preferring non-soap surfactant systems.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for cosmetic use.
  • Generally safe in rinse-off products at typical levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Myristate

What is sodium myristate derived from?

It comes from myristic acid in vegetable oils such as coconut or palm kernel.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It has low irritation potential in rinse-off products, though patch testing is wise.

What products contain it?

Common in bar soaps, body washes, shampoos, and facial cleansers.