Sodium Myreth Sulfate
A cleansing surfactant. It foams and washes; at high levels it can dry sensitive skin. Tolerance depends on the formula.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Myreth Sulfate (INCI: Sodium Myreth Sulfate) is a cleansing surfactant of the ethoxylated sulfate type. It produces foam and lifts oil and dirt, so it appears in gels, shampoos and cleansers. It is a close relative of SLES, somewhat milder than non-ethoxylated sulfates. It is a functional ingredient, a cleansing agent, not a care active. Its job is to clean and foam, and at that it delivers. The final result depends heavily on the formula: paired with mild surfactants it comes out balanced. In rinse-off products applied topically it poses no systemic risk, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The described irritation potential and allergy risk are low, but its harshness is moderate: at high levels it can dry out sensitive or tight skin. In well-balanced formulas most people tolerate it without trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Myreth Sulfate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Myreth Sulfate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Myreth Sulfate for?
Sodium Myreth Sulfate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Myreth Sulfate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A cleansing surfactant.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Myreth Sulfate?
The INCI name is Sodium Myreth Sulfate. It may also appear as: Mireth sulfato de sodio.
See Sodium Myreth Sulfate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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