Ingredient review
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid
INCI: Myristoyl Glutamic Acid
A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid is a gentle cleansing ingredient made by combining myristic acid (from coconut oil) with glutamic acid (an amino acid). It helps lift away dirt, oil, and makeup while being much less harsh than traditional sulfate cleansers. Because it has a similar pH to healthy skin, it cleans without causing tightness or irritation.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
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
Easy yes for most routines
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid 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 Glutamic Acid.
- 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
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid is an amino-acid surfactant. It is formed by reacting myristic acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) with glutamic acid (a naturally occurring amino acid). The result is a mild, biodegradable cleansing agent that produces a soft, creamy lather.
How it works
In a cleanser, Myristoyl Glutamic Acid works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be rinsed away. Its molecular structure has a water-loving head (from glutamic acid) and an oil-loving tail (from myristic acid), which helps it surround and lift sebum and debris without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.
Pros
Extremely gentle on skin
Unlike harsh sulfates, Myristoyl Glutamic Acid cleans without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier, making it ideal for daily use on sensitive or dry skin.
pH-friendly formula
This surfactant has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it helps maintain the acid mantle and reduces the risk of irritation or tightness after washing.
Cons and cautions
Less effective on heavy makeup
Because it is so mild, it may struggle to fully remove waterproof or long-wear makeup, often requiring a double-cleansing step.
Higher cost than sulfates
Amino-acid surfactants are more expensive to produce, so products containing them tend to be priced higher than conventional cleansers.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a non-stripping cleanser
- Anyone wanting to switch from sulfate-based cleansers to a milder alternative
Use caution if
- Those who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feel may find this too gentle
Usage tips
Safety summary
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Amino-acid surfactants like Myristoyl Glutamic Acid are well-studied for their mildness and skin compatibility. Research shows they cause less protein denaturation and barrier disruption compared to sodium lauryl sulfate. However, direct clinical studies on this specific compound are limited.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off cleansers
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics worldwide; no known restrictions in the EU, US, or Asia.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Bar soaps
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut/palm oil) and amino acids; biodegradable in aquatic environments.
Good to know
- Myristoyl Glutamic Acid is often listed near the top of ingredient lists in sulfate-free cleansers.
- It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendlier than many traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Myristoyl Glutamic Acid in beauty products?
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid is a gentle cleansing ingredient made by combining myristic acid (from coconut oil) with glutamic acid (an amino acid). It helps lift away dirt, oil, and makeup while being much less harsh than traditional sulfate cleansers. Because it has a similar pH to healthy skin, it cleans without causing tightness or irritation.
What does Myristoyl Glutamic Acid do in a beauty product?
In a cleanser, Myristoyl Glutamic Acid works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be rinsed away. Its molecular structure has a water-loving head (from glutamic acid) and an oil-loving tail (from myristic acid), which helps it surround and lift sebum and debris without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.
Is Myristoyl Glutamic Acid safe for most people?
Myristoyl Glutamic Acid is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Myristoyl Glutamic Acid?
Those who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feel may find this too gentle
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.