Ingredient review
Sodium Myristate
INCI: Sodium Myristate
Sodium Myristate is an effective cleanser but can be drying for sensitive or dry skin types.
In plain English
Sodium Myristate is a salt form of myristic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in nutmeg and palm oil. In skincare, it acts as a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's most often found in bar soaps and creamy cleansers, where it creates a rich lather. However, because it can strip the skin of its natural oils, it may leave some people feeling tight or dry after washing.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Myristate can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
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 Myristate.
- 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
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
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 Myristate is the sodium salt of myristic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It is produced by neutralizing myristic acid with sodium hydroxide, resulting in a white, waxy solid that functions as a cleansing and foaming agent.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Sodium Myristate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oils, allowing them to mix. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be easily washed away. It also helps stabilize emulsions, keeping oil and water ingredients blended together.
Pros
Strong cleanser
Effectively removes oil, dirt, and impurities, making it great for oily skin types.
Good lather
Produces a rich, creamy foam that many people enjoy in bar soaps and cleansers.
Cons and cautions
Can be drying
May strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to tightness or irritation, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Not for leave-on products
Primarily used in rinse-off cleansers; prolonged contact can cause irritation.
Best for
- People with oily or combination skin looking for a thorough cleanse
- Those who prefer traditional bar soaps
Use caution if
- Individuals with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin
- Anyone with eczema or compromised skin barrier
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Myristate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. It can be drying or irritating for some skin types, especially with prolonged contact, but is generally well-tolerated in wash-off formulations.
Research notes
Research indicates that myristic acid and its salts are effective cleansing agents with low acute toxicity. Studies show they can disrupt the skin barrier if left on the skin, but are safe in rinse-off products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed fatty acid salts like Sodium Myristate safe as used in cosmetics.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1-10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission, with no concentration restrictions for rinse-off products.
- Common uses
- Bar soaps, Facial cleansers, Body washes
- Environmental note
- Sodium Myristate is biodegradable, but its production from palm oil may contribute to deforestation if not sustainably sourced.
Good to know
- Sodium Myristate is often combined with other surfactants to create a balanced cleansing experience.
- It is commonly derived from palm oil or coconut oil, so check for sustainable sourcing if that's important to you.
Common questions
What is Sodium Myristate in beauty products?
Sodium Myristate is a salt form of myristic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in nutmeg and palm oil. In skincare, it acts as a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's most often found in bar soaps and creamy cleansers, where it creates a rich lather. However, because it can strip the skin of its natural oils, it may leave some people feeling tight or dry after washing.
What does Sodium Myristate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Sodium Myristate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oils, allowing them to mix. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be easily washed away. It also helps stabilize emulsions, keeping oil and water ingredients blended together.
Is Sodium Myristate safe for most people?
Sodium Myristate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. It can be drying or irritating for some skin types, especially with prolonged contact, but is generally well-tolerated in wash-off formulations.
Who should be careful with Sodium Myristate?
Individuals with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin Anyone with eczema or compromised skin barrier
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.