Ingredient review
Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside
INCI: Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside
A gentle, sugar-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.
In plain English
Myristoyl ethyl glucoside is a mild cleansing ingredient made from glucose (a sugar) and myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oil). It works like a soap but is much gentler, so it can remove makeup, oil, and daily grime without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Because it’s derived from natural sources and has a low irritation potential, it’s a popular choice for sensitive-skin formulas.
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
Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside 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 Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside.
- 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
A semi-synthetic surfactant created by combining glucose with myristic acid. It belongs to the alkyl glucoside family, known for being mild and biodegradable.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing water to lift away dirt and sebum from the skin. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating than harsher sulfates, so it cleans without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecular structure means it stays on the surface and doesn’t penetrate the skin, reducing the risk of irritation.
Environmentally friendly
Made from renewable plant sources and is readily biodegradable, making it a greener choice compared to many synthetic surfactants.
Cons and cautions
Limited foaming
Produces a low, creamy lather rather than big bubbles, which some users may not prefer.
Less effective on heavy makeup
May require a double-cleanse routine or a stronger co-surfactant to fully remove waterproof sunscreen or long-wear makeup.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin
- Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser
Use caution if
- Individuals with very oily skin who prefer a deep-cleansing sulfate-based wash
- Anyone with a known allergy to coconut-derived ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myristoyl ethyl glucoside is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic rating, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on alkyl glucosides, including myristoyl ethyl glucoside, shows they are mild surfactants with good skin compatibility. Studies indicate they cause less barrier disruption and lower irritation compared to sodium lauryl sulfate. However, specific clinical data on myristoyl ethyl glucoside alone is limited.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most major markets. No specific restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (glucose and fatty acids) and is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable surfactant choice.
Good to know
- Often listed near the top of ingredient lists in sulfate-free cleansers.
- Can be combined with other mild surfactants to boost cleansing power without increasing irritation.
Common questions
What is Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside in beauty products?
Myristoyl ethyl glucoside is a mild cleansing ingredient made from glucose (a sugar) and myristic acid (a fatty acid found in coconut or palm oil). It works like a soap but is much gentler, so it can remove makeup, oil, and daily grime without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Because it’s derived from natural sources and has a low irritation potential, it’s a popular choice for sensitive-skin formulas.
What does Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing water to lift away dirt and sebum from the skin. Its large molecular structure makes it less penetrating than harsher sulfates, so it cleans without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Is Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside safe for most people?
Myristoyl ethyl glucoside is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic rating, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside?
Individuals with very oily skin who prefer a deep-cleansing sulfate-based wash Anyone with a known allergy to coconut-derived 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.