Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate

Benefits
Hair ConditioningCleansingAntistatic

What is Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate?

Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate is the sodium salt of myristoyl sarcosine, where sarcosine derives from glycine, an amino acid, combined with myristic acid from plant or animal fats. This synthetic anionic surfactant appears mainly in rinse-off hair care like shampoos and conditioners, plus facial and body cleansers. It functions by decreasing water's surface tension to emulsify oils and dirt, enabling their removal during rinsing. It also produces stable foam for even product spread and sensory appeal. Beyond cleansing, it deposits a light conditioning film on hair shafts to minimize friction, tangles, and static buildup. Formulators value its compatibility in blends, aiding thickness adjustment for smooth texture and pourability without compromising mildness.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-2 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.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Gentle cleansing removes impurities while foaming effectively.

Conditions hair to enhance softness and reduce friction.

Controls static for improved manageability and shine.

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 surfactants for sensitive scalps.
Those with rare allergies to sarcosinate surfactants.
People with hair prone to static or flyaways.
People sensitive to anionic cleansing agents.
Users wanting non-comedogenic cleansers for daily routines.
Individuals preferring preservative-free or fully natural formulas.

Safety Notes

  • Low hazard rating from 1-2 on EWG scale.
  • Deemed safe in cosmetics by expert reviews like CIR.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate

What products contain it?

Common in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers for mild action.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild nature makes it appropriate for sensitive types in typical concentrations.

Does it help with hair static?

Yes, it reduces static by improving surface conductivity and smoothness.