What Is Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate?
Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate is a specialty surfactant created by reacting myristic acid, a fatty acid most commonly sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, with a dimethylaminopropylamine followed by neutralization with phosphoric acid. The result is a gentle, water-friendly compound that carries both lipophilic and hydrophilic parts, allowing it to bind to oils and rinse away with water. Originally explored in the late 1990s as a milder alternative to traditional sulfate cleansers, it gained popularity when formulators looked for ways to deliver effective cleansing without stripping the skin or hair. Production involves esterifying the natural fatty acid, quaternizing the amine group, then forming the phosphate salt, a process done under controlled temperatures to maintain purity and low irritation potential.
You will most often spot this ingredient in face washes, micellar waters, shampoo and conditioner combos, creamy body washes, and pre-shave cleansers where a balance of cleansing power and skin comfort is needed. It also appears in some clay or sheet masks that promise a clean finish without tightness.
Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one key purpose in cosmetics, helping formulas perform efficiently while feeling gentle on skin and hair.
Function – Cleansing: Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate lowers surface tension so water can mix with oil and dirt, allowing them to be rinsed away easily. Its balanced structure means it lifts impurities without the harshness sometimes linked to stronger surfactants, which helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and leaves hair softer and more manageable.
Who Can Use Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate
This gentle cleansing agent is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it removes grime without overly stripping natural moisture. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin may still want to monitor how their skin feels the first few times they use a product that contains it but the ingredient itself is not known to be a common irritant.
Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate is usually sourced from plant-derived myristic acid and synthetic amines so finished materials are typically considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. If a brand confirms its fatty acid feedstock comes from coconut or palm and no animal testing was involved then the ingredient aligns with cruelty free formulations.
Current safety data show no specific risks linked to pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in cleansers. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still ask their doctor before adding new skincare products just to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not regarded as photosensitizing. It is also odorless so it will not clash with fragrance and it rinses cleanly which helps reduce residue buildup on hair and skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate vary from person to person. The points below note potential side effects yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin redness or stinging, usually with very sensitive skin
- Dry or tight feeling if the formula contains a high overall surfactant load
- Eye irritation if cleanser is not rinsed out fully
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or small bumps
- Slight fading of semi-permanent hair dye with frequent shampoo use
If any irritation, discomfort or other unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate is a water-soluble surfactant with a relatively small, highly charged structure that rinses away cleanly. It does not linger in pores or leave an occlusive film, so it has a very low tendency to clog pores, earning it a 1 out of 5. People who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without added risk.
Because it quickly disperses in water and is usually present in rinse-off formulas, any residue left on the skin is minimal which further reduces comedogenic potential.
Summary
Myristamidopropyl Dimethylamine Phosphate is a gentle cleansing agent that lifts oil and dirt by lowering surface tension then rinses off without stripping the skin barrier. Its balanced lipophilic and hydrophilic structure lets it bind debris on skin or hair and carry it away with water, leaving a soft comfortable feel.
While not as famous as sulfates or the newer amino acid surfactants, it has carved out a small but steady spot in face washes, micellar waters and mild shampoos aimed at consumers who want effective yet non-harsh cleansing.
Current safety data show it is low-irritation non-sensitizing and essentially non-comedogenic, making it a safe option for most users. As with any cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a new product to be sure it suits your individual skin.