A fatty-acid soap salt. It cleanses and builds a dense foam in soap cleansers. It can dry out dry skin at alkaline pH.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A soap surfactant. Safe; may dry out dry skin.
Sodium Myristate is the sodium salt of myristic acid, in other words a soap. It cleanses and builds a dense, creamy lather, so it is common in soap-type cleansers and rinse-off soap-based formulas. This is a functional ingredient, a cleansing surfactant, not a skincare active. Its job is to lift oil and dirt and produce foam. It does that job well, within a system that usually runs at alkaline pH. Applied topically there is no meaningful systemic absorption, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. On tolerance, irritation and allergy potential is low, but harshness is moderate: as an alkaline soap it can dry out dry or sensitive skin with frequent use. On oily skin it usually feels comfortable; with dry skin or a tendency to tightness, a lower-pH cleanser or less frequent use is wiser.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
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.
Sodium Myristate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Sodium Myristate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
A fatty-acid soap salt.
The INCI name is Sodium Myristate. It may also appear as: Натрия миристат.
Published: · updated: