Ingredient review
Myreth-3 Laurate
INCI: MYRETH-3 LAURATE
A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, but it's not a star ingredient on its own.
In plain English
Myreth-3 Laurate is a mild cleansing ingredient often found in face washes and shampoos. It helps water mix with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away easily. Think of it as a helper that makes your cleanser foam gently and clean without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
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-3 Laurate 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-3 Laurate.
- 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-3 Laurate is a semi-synthetic surfactant made from myristyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil), processed with ethylene oxide. It belongs to the myreth family of mild cleansers.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing the product to lift sebum, makeup, and impurities from the skin. Because it's a non-ionic surfactant, it's less likely to irritate compared to stronger cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Pros
Mild on skin
It cleanses effectively but is less likely to cause irritation or dryness compared to harsher surfactants like SLS.
Good foam booster
It helps create a rich, creamy lather that feels pleasant during cleansing without being overly bubbly.
Cons and cautions
Ethoxylation concerns
As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential contaminant, though reputable manufacturers purify it to safe levels.
Not a functional active
It doesn't provide skin benefits beyond cleansing—no moisturizing, anti-aging, or soothing properties.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who prefer sulfate-free or gentler cleansing options
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myreth-3 Laurate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane from the ethoxylation process, but reputable manufacturers control this to levels well below regulatory limits.
Research notes
There is limited direct research on Myreth-3 Laurate, but it is structurally similar to other myreth surfactants that have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel and found safe. Most evidence comes from safety assessments rather than efficacy studies.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar myreth compounds and found them safe as used.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- May be derived from palm oil; look for RSPO-certified or sustainably sourced versions if environmental impact is a concern.
Good to know
- Myreth-3 Laurate is considered biodegradable and generally safe for aquatic life at typical use levels.
- It is often listed as 'PEG-3 Myristyl Ether Laurate' on some labels.
Common questions
What is Myreth-3 Laurate in beauty products?
Myreth-3 Laurate is a mild cleansing ingredient often found in face washes and shampoos. It helps water mix with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away easily. Think of it as a helper that makes your cleanser foam gently and clean without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
What does Myreth-3 Laurate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing the product to lift sebum, makeup, and impurities from the skin. Because it's a non-ionic surfactant, it's less likely to irritate compared to stronger cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Is Myreth-3 Laurate safe for most people?
Myreth-3 Laurate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane from the ethoxylation process, but reputable manufacturers control this to levels well below regulatory limits.
Who should be careful with Myreth-3 Laurate?
Individuals with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
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.