Ingredient review

TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

INCI: TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

A gentle cleansing and conditioning ingredient derived from collagen, best for rinse-off products like shampoos and body washes.

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent

In plain English

This ingredient is a modified protein made by attaching a fatty acid (myristic acid) to collagen and then neutralizing it with TEA (triethanolamine). It acts as a mild surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It also leaves skin and hair feeling soft and smooth because the collagen part can deposit a thin film. You'll mostly find it in products you wash off, like shampoos and body washes, not in leave-on creams or serums.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 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

TEA-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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen.
  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

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

A semi-synthetic compound created by chemically bonding myristic acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) to hydrolyzed collagen (broken-down animal protein), then forming a salt with triethanolamine (TEA). It functions as a mild cleansing and conditioning agent.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen lowers the surface tension between water and oils, helping to lift dirt and sebum from skin or hair. The collagen portion can adsorb onto the surface, leaving a subtle conditioning film that reduces static and adds softness. Because it's a large molecule, it's mild and less likely to strip natural oils compared to harsher sulfates.

Pros

Gentle on skin

Its large molecular structure makes it a mild surfactant that cleans without over-drying, ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

Adds softness

The collagen component deposits a light film that leaves skin and hair feeling conditioned and smooth after rinsing.

Cons and cautions

Not vegan

Hydrolyzed collagen is typically sourced from animal hides or bones, so this ingredient is unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian routines.

Limited to rinse-off use

It can leave a slight residue if used in leave-on products, so it's mainly found in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.

Best for

  • People looking for a mild, non-stripping cleanser for daily use
  • Those with dry or sensitive skin who want a gentle shampoo or body wash

Use caution if

  • Vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients
  • Anyone seeking a leave-on moisturizer or serum ingredient

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like shampoo or body wash for best results.
Pair with other mild surfactants to create a balanced, gentle cleansing system.
Avoid combining with nitrosating agents (e.g., certain preservatives) in the same formula to minimize nitrosamine formation.

Safety summary

TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential for nitrosamine formation from TEA, but this is well-controlled in modern formulations by avoiding nitrosating agents and using preservatives that do not release nitrites. The ingredient is generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.

Research notes

Research on this specific compound is limited, but studies on hydrolyzed collagen and fatty acid derivatives support its safety and mildness as a surfactant. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has reviewed similar acyl collagen salts and found them safe in rinse-off products. No significant clinical studies on efficacy are available.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1% to 10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated related collagen derivatives and found them safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.
Common uses
Shampoos, Body washes, Facial cleansers, Hair conditioners
Environmental note
The collagen source is typically a byproduct of the meat industry, which can be seen as using waste. However, the TEA component may raise mild environmental concerns due to potential aquatic toxicity at high concentrations.

Good to know

  • TEA (triethanolamine) is a pH adjuster and emulsifier; in this ingredient it's part of the salt form and present at low levels.
  • The myristic acid portion comes from plant oils like coconut or palm, but the collagen is animal-derived.
  • This ingredient is not common in leave-on skincare; it's primarily used in cleansers and hair products.

Common questions

What is TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen in beauty products?

This ingredient is a modified protein made by attaching a fatty acid (myristic acid) to collagen and then neutralizing it with TEA (triethanolamine). It acts as a mild surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It also leaves skin and hair feeling soft and smooth because the collagen part can deposit a thin film. You'll mostly find it in products you wash off, like shampoos and body washes, not in leave-on creams or serums.

What does TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen lowers the surface tension between water and oils, helping to lift dirt and sebum from skin or hair. The collagen portion can adsorb onto the surface, leaving a subtle conditioning film that reduces static and adds softness. Because it's a large molecule, it's mild and less likely to strip natural oils compared to harsher sulfates.

Is TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen safe for most people?

TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential for nitrosamine formation from TEA, but this is well-controlled in modern formulations by avoiding nitrosating agents and using preservatives that do not release nitrites. The ingredient is generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.

Who should be careful with TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients Anyone seeking a leave-on moisturizer or serum ingredient

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of TriethanolamineOpenPubChem - Myristic AcidOpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - TEA-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed CollagenOpen

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.