Ingredient review
Myreth-10
INCI: MYRETH-10
Myreth-10 is a gentle cleansing agent that helps products foam and rinse cleanly, but it is synthetic and may be drying for very sensitive skin.
In plain English
Myreth-10 is a mild soap-like ingredient made from myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil) and ethylene oxide. It helps cleansers and shampoos create foam and mix oil with water so they rinse off easily. It is considered gentle compared to stronger sulfates, but because it is a detergent, it can still strip natural oils if used too often.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Myreth-10 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
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 Myreth-10.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
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
Myreth-10 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of myristyl alcohol, used as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier in personal care products. It is part of the 'myreth' family, where the number indicates the average moles of ethylene oxide added.
How it works
Myreth-10 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing oily dirt and sebum to be lifted away and rinsed off. It also helps stabilize mixtures of oil and water in creams and lotions, preventing separation.
Pros
Mild foaming action
Creates a pleasant lather without the harshness of sodium lauryl sulfate, making it suitable for daily use on normal skin.
Good emulsifier
Helps blend oils and water in lotions and creams, improving texture and stability without heavy greasiness.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Made from ethylene oxide, a process that can leave trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified, though reputable brands control for this.
Potential for dryness
Even though it is milder than sulfates, it can still strip natural oils if used excessively, especially on already dry or sensitive skin.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a mild foaming cleanser
- Those who want a sulfate-free alternative in their shampoo or body wash
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry, eczema-prone, or damaged skin barriers may find it too stripping
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myreth-10 is considered safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers purify the ingredient to meet safety standards. It is not a known irritant or sensitizer for most people.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found PEG alkyl ethers like Myreth-10 to be safe in cosmetics when formulated properly. No significant human or animal studies specifically on Myreth-10 are available, but it is grouped with similar PEG ethers that show low irritation potential.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database, with no specific concentration restrictions. Manufacturers are expected to limit 1,4-dioxane impurities to safe levels.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- Derived from palm or coconut oil, so sourcing may impact deforestation. PEG compounds can be slow to biodegrade in aquatic environments.
Good to know
- Myreth-10 is often used in 'sulfate-free' formulas, but it is still a detergent.
- The number '10' refers to the average PEG chain length, which affects its water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is Myreth-10 in beauty products?
Myreth-10 is a mild soap-like ingredient made from myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil) and ethylene oxide. It helps cleansers and shampoos create foam and mix oil with water so they rinse off easily. It is considered gentle compared to stronger sulfates, but because it is a detergent, it can still strip natural oils if used too often.
What does Myreth-10 do in a beauty product?
Myreth-10 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing oily dirt and sebum to be lifted away and rinsed off. It also helps stabilize mixtures of oil and water in creams and lotions, preventing separation.
Is Myreth-10 safe for most people?
Myreth-10 is considered safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers purify the ingredient to meet safety standards. It is not a known irritant or sensitizer for most people.
Who should be careful with Myreth-10?
Individuals with very dry, eczema-prone, or damaged skin barriers may find it too stripping
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.