Ingredient review

Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

INCI: Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

beautyskincarecleansersurfactant

In plain English

Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining myristic acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) with hydrolyzed collagen (broken-down animal protein). It works like a gentle soap that lifts dirt and oil from your skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry. Because it's derived from collagen, it also helps your skin feel soft and smooth after washing.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good

4.0/ 5

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

How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen 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 Hydrolyzed Collagen.
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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

It is a surfactant (cleansing agent) created by chemically bonding myristic acid to hydrolyzed collagen. The result is a molecule that can trap oil and dirt and rinse them away with water, while also depositing a small amount of protein on the skin for conditioning.

How it works

In a cleanser, this ingredient reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oils and impurities on your skin. The myristic acid part grabs onto oils, while the collagen part helps the whole complex rinse off easily. After rinsing, a tiny film of collagen may remain, giving a soft, conditioned feel.

Pros

Mild on skin

This surfactant is much gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate, making it ideal for daily use on sensitive or dry skin without causing irritation or tightness.

Conditioning feel

The hydrolyzed collagen component leaves a light protein film that helps skin feel soft and smooth after washing, reducing the need for a separate moisturizer step.

Cons and cautions

Not vegan

Because it's made from animal-derived collagen, this ingredient is not suitable for vegans or those who prefer plant-based skincare.

Lower foam

Compared to sulfate-based cleansers, this ingredient produces less foam, which some users may associate with a less effective clean, even though it cleans just as well.

Best for

People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
Anyone who prefers amino-acid-based or protein-enriched cleansers

Use caution if

Strict vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like cleansers and shampoos; it is not typically used in leave-on formulations.

Pair with a moisturizer if you have very dry skin, as the conditioning effect is light and may not be enough on its own.

Safety summary

Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The main caveat is its animal origin, which may not align with vegan or vegetarian preferences.

Research notes

Research on this specific compound is limited, but it belongs to a well-studied class of acyl amino acid surfactants known for mildness and low irritation. The hydrolyzed collagen component is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing and film-forming properties. No significant safety concerns have been reported in the scientific literature.

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 beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
Common uses: Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Conditioners
Environmental note: The myristic acid is often derived from coconut or palm oil; look for sustainably sourced palm oil if environmental impact is a concern. The ingredient is generally considered biodegradable.

Good to know

This ingredient is part of the broader family of acyl amino acid surfactants, known for their mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin.
The collagen used is typically sourced from bovine or fish by-products, so it's not suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans.

Common questions

What is Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen in beauty products?

What does Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen do in a beauty product?

Is Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen safe for most people?

Who should be careful with Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Strict vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Research sources

CosIng Database - Sodium Myristoyl Hydrolyzed CollagenOpen Personal Care Council - Safety Assessment of Acyl Amino AcidsOpen PubMed - Mild Surfactants for Sensitive SkinOpen

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.