What Is Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate?
Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate is a lab crafted compound whose chemical name is N-(4-Diaminomethyleneaminobutyl)tetradecanamide acetate. It is derived from myristic acid, a fatty acid naturally present in coconut and palm kernel oils, which is joined to a short chain containing guanidine and then neutralized with acetic acid. The result is a water dispersible ingredient that blends the softening traits of a fatty amide with the mild basic character of guanidine.
Chemists first explored guanidine based molecules in the 1990s for their gentle cleansing and antistatic abilities. As silicone free hair products and rinse-off facial cleansers grew popular in the early 2000s, formulators began turning to Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate to deliver a lightweight, silky feel without buildup.
Manufacturing starts with converting plant sourced myristic acid into myristoyl chloride, which reacts with 4-aminobutyl guanidine to form the amide backbone. The final step adds acetic acid to create the acetate salt, giving the powder improved solubility and stability. Quality control ensures low residual solvents and a narrow pH range, both key for gentle skin contact.
Today you can spot this ingredient in leave-on hair serums, hydrating face masks, lightweight body lotions, micellar waters, anti-frizz sprays and even brow gels where smooth glide and static control are prized.
Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this multitasker serves several roles that improve both performance and feel
- Antistatic – Helps neutralize the electric charge that makes hair strands repel each other so styles stay sleek and flyaways are minimized. In skin care it can reduce the cling of powders on the face for a smoother finish
- Skin Conditioning – Forms a light breathable film that leaves skin soft and supple without a greasy afterfeel, enhancing spreadability of creams and lotions
- Cleansing – Acts as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt and excess oil while respecting the skin barrier making it useful in micellar waters and gentle face washes
Who Can Use Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate
This ingredient is friendly to almost every skin type. Normal, dry and combination skin benefit from its softening film while oily skin enjoys its non greasy feel that will not clog pores. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the molecule is mild and sits near skin’s natural pH, though anyone with a known allergy to fatty amides or guanidine based compounds should steer clear.
Because the raw materials come from coconut or palm kernel oils and the remaining steps are fully synthetic, Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate is considered vegan and vegetarian compliant with no animal derived components or testing requirements in most regions.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics at typical concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have their doctor review any new skincare product to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no concern about added photosensitivity when you use it during the day. It also plays well with common actives such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and most plant extracts so formulators can slot it into many product types without issues.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topically applied Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate can vary. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished cosmetics.
- Mild skin redness a temporary flush can appear in very sensitive users, typically fading within minutes of rinsing or removing the product
- Itching or tingling a light prickly feel may develop if the skin barrier is already compromised
- Contact dermatitis rare allergic reactions have been reported in people with pre existing sensitivity to guanidine based compounds
- Eye irritation if a formula accidentally gets into the eyes, it may cause watering or stinging until rinsed out with clean water
If you experience any of the above reactions discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low likelihood of clogging pores)
Although Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate contains a 14-carbon fatty tail, the rest of the molecule is water friendly and used at low levels, so it disperses instead of building up in pores. It forms a breathable film that rinses away easily and does not create the heavy, waxy layer linked to breakouts. This low rating makes it suitable for acne-prone or congestion-prone skin types. Only in rich balms or very high concentrations could it contribute to pore blockage, which is unusual in mainstream formulas.
Summary
Myristamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate acts as an antistatic agent, skin conditioner and mild cleanser. Its cationic head tames static by neutralizing charges on hair or skin, while its fatty backbone lays down a silky micro-film that softens without greasiness. As a gentle surfactant it lifts away dirt and excess oil yet stays close to skin’s pH, preserving barrier comfort.
The ingredient sits in the quietly popular camp: not as famous as silicones or quats but increasingly chosen by formulators seeking a light touch in micellar waters, leave-in sprays and modern lotions.
Current safety assessments find it non-sensitizing for most users with a very low comedogenic profile. As with any new cosmetic, a quick patch test is wise to rule out personal sensitivity before full use.