Ingredient review

TEA-Laurate/Myristate

INCI: TEA-Laurate/Myristate

A synthetic cleansing agent that can be effective but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

TEA-Laurate/Myristate is a man-made ingredient that helps cleansers foam and remove dirt and oil. It works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix and rinse away. While it's effective at cleaning, it can be a bit harsh for people with dry or sensitive skin, potentially stripping away natural oils.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

TEA-Laurate/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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging TEA-Laurate/Myristate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

moderate

Can bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.

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

A mixture of lauric and myristic acids neutralized with triethanolamine (TEA), forming a salt that acts as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetic products.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oils and dirt on the skin so they can be rinsed away. It also helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, keeping formulas from separating.

Pros

Strong cleanser

Effectively removes excess oil, makeup, and impurities, leaving skin feeling clean.

Good foaming

Creates a satisfying lather that many people associate with a thorough cleanse.

Cons and cautions

Potential irritation

May cause stinging, redness, or dryness, especially for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.

Can be drying

Frequent use may strip natural oils, leading to tightness and dehydration over time.

Best for

  • People with normal to oily skin looking for a deep cleanse
  • Those who prefer foaming cleansers

Use caution if

  • Individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
  • Anyone seeking a very gentle, non-stripping cleanser

Usage tips

Use only on wet skin and rinse thoroughly to minimize residue.
Follow with a moisturizer to replenish hydration after cleansing.

Safety summary

Generally considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations, but may cause irritation for sensitive individuals. The TEA component has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and is safe when formulated properly.

Research notes

Limited direct studies on TEA-Laurate/Myristate specifically, but TEA salts of fatty acids are well-documented as effective surfactants. Safety evaluations focus on TEA's potential for nitrosamine formation, which is controlled by purity standards.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1-10%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions, with concentration limits in some leave-on products due to TEA content.
Common uses
Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes
Environmental note
TEA-based surfactants may have moderate biodegradability; check product-specific environmental claims.

Good to know

  • TEA-Laurate/Myristate is often found in rinse-off products, not leave-on formulas.
  • It is sometimes used alongside milder surfactants to balance cleansing power.

Common questions

What is TEA-Laurate/Myristate in beauty products?

TEA-Laurate/Myristate is a man-made ingredient that helps cleansers foam and remove dirt and oil. It works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix and rinse away. While it's effective at cleaning, it can be a bit harsh for people with dry or sensitive skin, potentially stripping away natural oils.

What does TEA-Laurate/Myristate do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oils and dirt on the skin so they can be rinsed away. It also helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, keeping formulas from separating.

Is TEA-Laurate/Myristate safe for most people?

Generally considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations, but may cause irritation for sensitive individuals. The TEA component has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and is safe when formulated properly.

Who should be careful with TEA-Laurate/Myristate?

Individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone seeking a very gentle, non-stripping cleanser

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - TEA SafetyOpenPubChem - TriethanolamineOpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - TEAOpen

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.