What Is Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide?
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide is a blend of amide compounds made by reacting dimethylamine with two plant-based fatty acids, lauric acid and myristic acid, which are commonly sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that is both oil-loving and water-compatible, a balance that makes it useful in many personal care formulas. Similar fatty amides started appearing in household cleaners in the 1950s, and formulators later adapted them for cosmetics when they realized the same properties could deliver a creamier lather and smoother texture in products that touch the skin. Manufacturing involves purifying the natural oils, splitting them into their fatty acids, then running a controlled heat reaction with dimethylamine to form the amides, followed by neutralization and filtration steps to remove residual materials.
You will most often find Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide in liquid and gel cleansers, shampoos, body washes, facial masks, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, shaving creams, sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers where a silky feel and stable foam are desired.
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this multitasker because it improves both the performance and the feel of a wide range of products.
- Solvent: Helps dissolve oily residues and certain active ingredients so they spread evenly and stay suspended, leading to a clearer, more uniform formula
- Cleansing: Loosens dirt, sweat and excess sebum so they can be rinsed away, leaving skin and hair feeling fresh without a heavy film
- Emulsifying: Keeps water and oil phases blended, preventing separation and giving lotions and creams a smooth, homogenous texture
- Foam Boosting: Enhances lather volume and stability, making shampoos and body washes feel richer and more luxurious while assisting in efficient cleansing
- Viscosity Controlling: Adjusts thickness so products are neither too runny nor too stiff, allowing brands to fine-tune the sensory experience and ensure easy dispensing
Who Can Use Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide
Because it is mild and usually used in rinse-off products, Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide suits most skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. People with extremely sensitive or compromised skin should still check the full formula since any surfactant can be drying if used in high amounts or left on the skin for long periods.
The fatty acids that make up this ingredient are sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil and the manufacturing process contains no animal-derived materials, so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand confirms plant sourcing on its ingredient specification then the finished product will align with vegan claims.
No data suggest a specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. That said, this text is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it does not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odor-neutral and non-volatile which means it will not contribute to fragrance sensitivity or inhalation concerns under normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient redness or itching, usually linked to higher concentrations or prolonged contact
- Dryness or tightness if the formula is left on the skin too long or used too frequently without follow-up moisturization
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for individuals with specific sensitivities to amide surfactants
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during washing or rinsing
- Scalp irritation for some users when used in shampoos especially if massaged vigorously or not rinsed out completely
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide molecules are partly water loving which lets them rinse away rather than linger and build up inside pores. They are also used at modest levels and most often in cleansers or shampoos that leave the skin within seconds. Together these factors keep the occlusive potential very low compared with heavier fatty esters or oils.
Because of the low rating this ingredient is generally considered acceptable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any surfactant heavy formula over-use can still strip the skin barrier leading to rebound oiliness that indirectly contributes to clogged pores so frequency of use matters as much as the ingredient itself.
Summary
Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide acts as a solvent, mild cleanser, emulsifier, foam booster and viscosity controller. Its balanced structure lets it dissolve oily grime then pair up with water so the mix can be washed away which is how it cleans and improves glide. By sitting at the oil-water interface it keeps formulas uniform and prevents separation while its foam stabilizing trait gives washes a creamier lather. Small tweaks in concentration let chemists fine-tune thickness without added gums.
The ingredient sits in the middle of the popularity chart: not a household name yet common enough that many mainstream body washes and shampoos rely on it for silky foam. It offers dependable performance at a reasonable cost so formulators keep it on standby when they need mild cleansing power without a greasy afterfeel.
Current safety data show a low risk profile when used at cosmetic levels and it is broadly accepted by regulatory bodies worldwide. Still individual skin responses vary so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Dimethyl Lauramide/Myristamide before full use.