Ingredient review
TEA-Myristate
INCI: TEA-Myristate
TEA-Myristate helps cleansers foam and mix oil with water, but it may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
In plain English
TEA-Myristate is a synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers create a rich lather and mix oil and water together. It's commonly found in face washes and shampoos. While effective at cleaning, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially leading to dryness or irritation, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
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
TEA-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 TEA-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
TEA-Myristate is a salt formed from myristic acid (a fatty acid) and triethanolamine (TEA). It acts as a surfactant, meaning it reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix and be rinsed away.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, TEA-Myristate works by surrounding oil and dirt particles, breaking them into tiny droplets that can be washed away with water. It also helps stabilize the product formula and creates a foamy texture that many people associate with effective cleansing.
Pros
Effective foaming agent
Creates a satisfying lather that helps remove oil and makeup, making it popular in facial washes and shampoos.
Good oil-water mixer
Helps blend oil and water in a formula, ensuring a stable, uniform product that cleanses evenly.
Cons and cautions
Can be drying
May strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier, leading to tightness or flakiness, especially for dry or sensitive skin types.
Potential irritant
Triethanolamine-based surfactants can cause mild irritation or stinging if the product is left on the skin too long or used too frequently.
Best for
- People with oily or combination skin who enjoy a foamy cleanser
- Those looking for an effective, budget-friendly surfactant in rinse-off products
Use caution if
- Individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or gentler cleansing systems
Usage tips
Safety summary
TEA-Myristate is generally safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, and some individuals may prefer gentler alternatives. Regulatory bodies have set limits on triethanolamine content to ensure safety.
Research notes
Research on TEA-Myristate specifically is limited, but studies on triethanolamine-based surfactants indicate they can cause skin irritation at high concentrations or with prolonged contact. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated triethanolamine and its salts as safe when formulated to be non-irritating.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 1–5% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions, with concentration limits in some countries to minimize irritation risk.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Facial washes, Shampoos, Body washes
- Environmental note
- TEA-Myristate is synthetic and may not be readily biodegradable; its environmental impact is considered moderate compared to some natural surfactants.
Good to know
- TEA-Myristate is often used in combination with other surfactants to balance cleansing power and mildness.
- It is not the same as TEA (triethanolamine) alone; the myristate portion modifies its properties.
Common questions
What is TEA-Myristate in beauty products?
TEA-Myristate is a synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers create a rich lather and mix oil and water together. It's commonly found in face washes and shampoos. While effective at cleaning, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, potentially leading to dryness or irritation, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
What does TEA-Myristate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, TEA-Myristate works by surrounding oil and dirt particles, breaking them into tiny droplets that can be washed away with water. It also helps stabilize the product formula and creates a foamy texture that many people associate with effective cleansing.
Is TEA-Myristate safe for most people?
TEA-Myristate is generally safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, and some individuals may prefer gentler alternatives. Regulatory bodies have set limits on triethanolamine content to ensure safety.
Who should be careful with TEA-Myristate?
Individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or gentler cleansing systems
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.