Ingredient review
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate
INCI: Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate
A mild, skin-friendly surfactant that cleanses effectively while respecting the skin barrier.
In plain English
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient made from myristic acid (found in coconut or palm oil) and the amino acid glutamate. It belongs to the family of amino-acid surfactants, which are known for being much milder than traditional sulfates. It creates a soft, creamy lather and removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. This makes it a popular choice for sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin types.
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
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate 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 Myristoyl Glutamate.
- 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 Myristoyl Glutamate is a semi-synthetic surfactant produced by combining fatty acids from plant oils (like coconut or palm) with glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in the skin. It is a white to off-white powder or paste that dissolves in water to form a mild cleansing solution.
How it works
As a surfactant, it has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When mixed with water, it surrounds and lifts away dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin's surface. Unlike harsher surfactants, it has a pH close to the skin's natural pH (around 5.5), so it cleans without disrupting the acid mantle or causing tightness or irritation.
Pros
Extremely gentle on skin
Unlike sodium lauryl sulfate, this surfactant cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.
pH-balanced formula
Its pH is close to the skin's natural pH, helping maintain a healthy acid mantle and reducing the chance of disruption that can lead to sensitivity.
Cons and cautions
Potential sustainability concerns
Myristic acid is often sourced from palm oil, which can be associated with deforestation and habitat loss unless certified sustainable.
Higher cost
Amino-acid surfactants are more expensive to produce than traditional sulfates, which can increase the price of finished products.
Best for
- People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Those who prefer sulfate-free cleansers
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to coconut or palm derivatives (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature.
Research notes
Amino-acid surfactants like Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate 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
- 5–20% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (USA) and EU CosIng database, with no known restrictions.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Sourcing from certified sustainable palm oil or coconut oil can reduce environmental impact. The ingredient itself is biodegradable.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often combined with other mild surfactants to improve lather and cleansing power.
- It is biodegradable and generally considered environmentally friendly compared to some synthetic surfactants.
Common questions
What is Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate in beauty products?
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient made from myristic acid (found in coconut or palm oil) and the amino acid glutamate. It belongs to the family of amino-acid surfactants, which are known for being much milder than traditional sulfates. It creates a soft, creamy lather and removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. This makes it a popular choice for sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin types.
What does Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?
As a surfactant, it has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When mixed with water, it surrounds and lifts away dirt, excess oil, and impurities from the skin's surface. Unlike harsher surfactants, it has a pH close to the skin's natural pH (around 5.5), so it cleans without disrupting the acid mantle or causing tightness or irritation.
Is Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate safe for most people?
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature.
Who should be careful with Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate?
Individuals with a known allergy to coconut or palm derivatives (rare)
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.