Ingredient review
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide
INCI: Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide
A synthetic foam booster that improves lather and thickness in cleansers, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.
In plain English
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide is a man-made ingredient added to soaps and shampoos to make them foam more richly and feel thicker. It helps the product spread easily and gives a creamy lather, but it can be drying or irritating for people with sensitive or reactive skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic amide derived from lauric and myristic acids (found in coconut or palm oil) combined with dimethylamine. It functions as a foam booster and viscosity-increasing agent in rinse-off cleansing products.
How it works
It interacts with other surfactants in a formula to stabilize foam bubbles and increase the thickness of the liquid, making the product feel more luxurious and easier to apply without dripping.
Pros
Boosts lather quality
Creates a dense, creamy foam that many people find satisfying and effective for cleansing.
Improves product feel
Increases viscosity so the product feels thicker and more luxurious, reducing drippiness during use.
Cons and cautions
May irritate sensitive skin
Can cause stinging, redness, or dryness in people with compromised skin barriers or conditions like rosacea.
Synthetic origin
Not naturally derived, which may be a drawback for consumers seeking plant-based or biodegradable ingredients.
Best for
- People who enjoy a rich, creamy lather in cleansers
- Those with normal to oily skin not prone to irritation
Use caution if
- Individuals with sensitive, eczema-prone, or easily irritated skin
- Those seeking a minimal-ingredient or all-natural routine
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally safe for most skin types when used in rinse-off products at typical levels. However, it can be moderately irritating for sensitive or damaged skin. Avoid contact with eyes.
Research notes
Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically on Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide. Safety is inferred from related amide surfactants, which show low acute toxicity but potential for mild irritation at higher concentrations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 3%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US and EU within typical concentrations. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Shampoos, Body washes, Facial cleansers, Liquid soaps
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic amide, its biodegradability is moderate. It is not known to be a major environmental concern but is not as eco-friendly as some plant-based alternatives.
Good to know
- This ingredient is chemically similar to cocamide DEA but is considered less controversial in terms of nitrosamine formation.
- It is often used alongside other mild surfactants to balance cleansing power and gentleness.
Common questions
What is Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide in beauty products?
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide is a man-made ingredient added to soaps and shampoos to make them foam more richly and feel thicker. It helps the product spread easily and gives a creamy lather, but it can be drying or irritating for people with sensitive or reactive skin.
What does Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide do in a beauty product?
It interacts with other surfactants in a formula to stabilize foam bubbles and increase the thickness of the liquid, making the product feel more luxurious and easier to apply without dripping.
Is Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide safe for most people?
Generally safe for most skin types when used in rinse-off products at typical levels. However, it can be moderately irritating for sensitive or damaged skin. Avoid contact with eyes.
Who should be careful with Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide?
Individuals with sensitive, eczema-prone, or easily irritated skin Those seeking a minimal-ingredient or all-natural routine
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.