Ingredient review
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate
INCI: Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate
A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.
In plain English
This ingredient is a mild soap-like molecule made from coconut-derived fatty acids and aspartic acid (an amino acid). It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it's much gentler than traditional harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate. Your skin's natural moisture barrier is less likely to be disrupted, making it a popular choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
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
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate 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 Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate.
- 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
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate is a surfactant (cleansing agent) created by combining lauric and myristic acids (from coconut or palm oil) with aspartic acid, an amino acid. It belongs to the family of amino-acid-based cleansers known for their mildness.
How it works
In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you lather it with water, the tails grab onto dirt, oil, and makeup, while the heads stay in the water. Rinsing then washes everything away. Unlike harsher surfactants, it has a pH close to skin's natural level (around 5.5) and doesn't strip away too many natural oils.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its amino-acid base means it cleans without stripping your skin's protective oils, reducing the risk of irritation and dryness.
Supports barrier health
By maintaining a skin-friendly pH and being non-disruptive, it helps keep your moisture barrier intact, which is key for healthy-looking skin.
Cons and cautions
Less effective on heavy makeup
If you wear long-wear or waterproof makeup, you may need a separate oil-based cleanser first, as this surfactant alone might not remove everything.
Can be pricier
Products with amino-acid surfactants often cost more than those with traditional sulfates, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.
Best for
- People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone looking for a gentle daily cleanser
Use caution if
- Those who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feel may find it too mild
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant toxicity concerns have been reported in scientific literature. It is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Research notes
Amino-acid surfactants like this one have been studied for their mildness and compatibility with skin. Research indicates they cause less protein denaturation and lipid extraction compared to traditional anionic surfactants, supporting their use in gentle cleansing formulations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No known restrictions at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut/palm oil) and is readily biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice compared to petroleum-based surfactants.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in 'sulfate-free' cleansers.
- It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendlier than some traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a mild soap-like molecule made from coconut-derived fatty acids and aspartic acid (an amino acid). It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it's much gentler than traditional harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate. Your skin's natural moisture barrier is less likely to be disrupted, making it a popular choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
What does Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate do in a beauty product?
In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you lather it with water, the tails grab onto dirt, oil, and makeup, while the heads stay in the water. Rinsing then washes everything away. Unlike harsher surfactants, it has a pH close to skin's natural level (around 5.5) and doesn't strip away too many natural oils.
Is Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate safe for most people?
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant toxicity concerns have been reported in scientific literature. It is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate?
Those who prefer a high-foam, squeaky-clean feel may find it too mild
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.