Ingredient review
Myristamine Oxide
INCI: Myristamine Oxide
A gentle surfactant that helps create rich lather and improve product texture without stripping the skin.
In plain English
Myristamine Oxide is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps a product foam up nicely and feel thicker or more luxurious. It's often used in face washes and shampoos to make them lather well while being gentle enough for daily use. Unlike some harsher detergents, it tends to clean without leaving 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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Myristamine Oxide 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 Myristamine Oxide.
- 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
Myristamine Oxide is a synthetic amine oxide surfactant derived from myristic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut oil. It is a clear, slightly viscous liquid that acts as a foam booster and viscosity modifier in cleansing formulas.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Myristamine Oxide works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, helping to lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. It also stabilizes foam, making the lather richer and creamier, and thickens the product for a more pleasant feel.
Pros
Gentle foaming
Provides a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious without the harshness of sulfates, making it suitable for daily use.
Texture improvement
Helps thicken liquid cleansers and shampoos, giving them a more pleasant, high-end feel without extra additives.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
Derived from petrochemicals, which may be a concern for consumers seeking entirely natural or plant-based formulations.
Potential irritation at high levels
While generally mild, concentrations above 5% in leave-on products could cause slight irritation for very sensitive individuals.
Best for
- People who enjoy a foamy, creamy cleanser or shampoo
- Those with normal to combination skin looking for a gentle daily cleanser
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to amine oxides (rare)
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myristamine Oxide is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at typical concentrations. It is non-irritating to most skin types and has low comedogenic potential. The CIR panel has reviewed it and found no significant safety concerns.
Research notes
Research indicates that Myristamine Oxide is a mild surfactant with good foaming and thickening properties. Studies show it has low acute toxicity and is not a skin sensitizer. Most evidence comes from ingredient safety reviews rather than clinical efficacy trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe as used in rinse-off products.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Shaving creams
- Environmental note
- Myristamine Oxide is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment, making it a relatively eco-friendly choice among synthetic surfactants.
Good to know
- Myristamine Oxide is often used as a substitute for cocamide DEA, which has been flagged for potential safety concerns
- It is biodegradable and commonly used in eco-friendly formulations
Common questions
What is Myristamine Oxide in beauty products?
Myristamine Oxide is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps a product foam up nicely and feel thicker or more luxurious. It's often used in face washes and shampoos to make them lather well while being gentle enough for daily use. Unlike some harsher detergents, it tends to clean without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.
What does Myristamine Oxide do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Myristamine Oxide works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, helping to lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. It also stabilizes foam, making the lather richer and creamier, and thickens the product for a more pleasant feel.
Is Myristamine Oxide safe for most people?
Myristamine Oxide is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at typical concentrations. It is non-irritating to most skin types and has low comedogenic potential. The CIR panel has reviewed it and found no significant safety concerns.
Who should be careful with Myristamine Oxide?
Individuals with known sensitivity to amine oxides (rare) Those strictly avoiding all synthetic ingredients
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.