What Is Dea-Myristyl Sulfate?
Dea-Myristyl Sulfate is the cosmetic name for bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium tetradecyl sulphate, a compound created by linking myristyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, with diethanolamine and sulfate. The result is an amphiphilic molecule that loves both oil and water so it can help products spread and rinse away easily. It first showed up in personal care formulations in the mid-20th century when chemists were looking for gentler lathering agents than traditional soaps. Today it is produced in a controlled industrial process where natural fatty acids are converted to myristyl alcohol, reacted with sulfuric acid to form a sulfate, then neutralized with diethanolamine. You will spot Dea-Myristyl Sulfate in face cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, scrubs and some makeup removers because it creates a creamy foam while lifting dirt and oil from the skin or hair.
Dea-Myristyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for Dea-Myristyl Sulfate because it performs a couple of essential jobs in wash-off products.
- Cleansing: Its dual love of water and oil allows it to grab onto grime, sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum so they rinse away with water leaving skin and hair feeling fresh
- Foaming: It builds a rich stable lather that improves spreadability and makes the washing experience feel more luxurious which can help users clean more thoroughly with less product
Who Can Use Dea-Myristyl Sulfate
This cleansing agent works for most skin and hair types, including normal, oily and combination. People with very dry or easily irritated skin might find frequent use a bit drying because the ingredient lifts away natural oils as it cleans. If you live with conditions such as eczema or rosacea consider using it less often or choosing formulas blended with extra moisturizers.
Dea-Myristyl Sulfate is typically made from plant-derived fatty alcohols so it is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand states the raw materials come from coconut or palm and no animal testing was involved the ingredient meets cruelty-free expectations.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off products, still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new skincare items just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it is not known to interact with common active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids or salicylic acid.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Dea-Myristyl Sulfate differ from person to person. The points below cover possible but uncommon side effects; most people will not notice any issues when the ingredient is used at the levels found in well-formulated products.
- Skin dryness or tightness after rinsing
- Mild irritation or redness, especially on very sensitive skin
- Stinging or burning if applied to broken or inflamed skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or small bumps
If you experience any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dea-Myristyl Sulfate is a water-soluble surfactant that is designed to lift oils off the skin rather than sit on it, so it is unlikely to clog pores. It is used almost exclusively in rinse-off products which further limits the time it can interact with sebum in the follicle. For these reasons formulators consider it to have a very low comedogenic potential.
People who are prone to acne or breakouts can usually use products containing Dea-Myristyl Sulfate without problems.
Keep in mind that the overall pore-clogging risk depends on the entire formula; if a cleanser also contains heavy plant butters or waxes the final product could still be comedogenic even though this single ingredient is not.
Summary
Dea-Myristyl Sulfate acts mainly as a cleanser and foam booster. Its dual affinity for water and oil lets it surround dirt, makeup and excess sebum so they rinse away easily, while its ability to stabilize bubbles creates the creamy lather people associate with an effective wash.
You will spot it in many mass-market cleansers, shampoos and bubble baths but it is less famous than workhorses like sodium laureth sulfate partly because some brands avoid DEA-containing ingredients.
At the concentrations used in rinse-off formulas it is considered safe for most skin types though very sensitive or extremely dry skin could feel a bit tight after frequent use. As with any new product a quick patch test is a smart habit so you can catch any unexpected irritation early.