What Is Myristamidopropylamine Oxide?
Myristamidopropylamine oxide is a mild surfactant made by joining myristic acid, a fatty acid most often taken from coconut or palm kernel oil, with a short chain called dimethylaminopropylamine then gently oxidizing the final molecule. The result is an amine oxide, a class of ingredients prized in cosmetics for their surface-active and foam-boosting talents.
Amine oxides gained popularity in the 1960s when formulators wanted cleansers that were effective yet kinder to skin and hair than older soap-based products. Myristamidopropylamine oxide soon stood out for its balance of cleansing power and softness, so it found a home in many rinse-off and leave-on formulas.
Large-scale production starts with plant oils that are split to isolate myristic acid. This acid is reacted with dimethylaminopropylamine to form an amide, which is then oxidized with hydrogen peroxide under controlled conditions. The finished ingredient is usually supplied as a clear watery solution that slips easily into a wide range of personal care products.
You will most often see myristamidopropylamine oxide in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, baby washes, micellar waters, makeup removers and even some conditioning sprays where gentle cleansing and stable foam are must-haves.
Myristamidopropylamine Oxide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to this multitasker because it delivers several performance perks at once:
- Antistatic – helps prevent flyaway hair by reducing static charges so strands stay smoother and easier to style
- Cleansing – lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without stripping natural moisture, leaving skin and hair feeling clean yet comfortable
- Hair Conditioning – deposits a light conditioning film that improves combability and softness especially in combination with other conditioners
- Foam Boosting – amps up lather volume and creaminess so shampoos and body washes feel richer and rinse more evenly
- Hydrotrope – helps keep oils, fragrances and other tricky ingredients evenly mixed in water-based formulas improving clarity and stability
Who Can Use Myristamidopropylamine Oxide
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for most skin and hair types, including dry, normal, oily and even sensitive skin. Because it cleans without heavy stripping it usually leaves the skin barrier and scalp comfort intact, making it suitable for people prone to tightness or flaking. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still scan the full ingredient list of a product in case other additives are present that could be irritating.
Myristamidopropylamine oxide is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, not animal-derived fats, so it fits the needs of vegetarians and vegans. As always buyers who follow cruelty-free standards may want to confirm that the finished product or its raw materials were not tested on animals.
No data link this ingredient to hormone disruption or other issues that would make it off-limits during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the product to a healthcare professional before use just to be safe.
It does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, so no special photo-protection steps are required beyond everyday sunscreen use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Myristamidopropylamine Oxide vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild eye stinging or watering if shampoo or cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Temporary scalp or skin redness when used in very high concentrations
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or small bumps
- Increased dryness if combined with other strong surfactants in the same formula
If irritation, redness or any other unwanted reaction appears stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional if the symptoms do not quickly settle.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myristamidopropylamine oxide is water soluble and does not form an occlusive film on skin so it is very unlikely to block pores. Most uses are in rinse-off products which further limits any chance of residue building up. For these reasons formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic, though an ultra-cautious rating of 1 accounts for the slim possibility of irritation-related breakouts in extremely sensitive individuals.
Suitable for those prone to acne or breakouts.
No studies suggest that this ingredient worsens fungal acne (Malassezia) but data are limited so individuals with persistent concerns may prefer to monitor their skin response closely.
Summary
Myristamidopropylamine oxide is a gentle multitasking surfactant that cleanses, boosts foam, fights static, lightly conditions hair and acts as a hydrotrope to keep tricky ingredients evenly mixed. It performs these jobs by positioning its fatty tail in oils and its charged head in water which lifts away grime while stabilizing rich lather and smoothing hair cuticles.
While not a buzzworthy superstar it is a quiet workhorse found in many everyday shampoos, body washes, baby cleansers and micellar waters because it offers reliable performance without harshness.
Current data show it to be low risk for irritation or sensitization when used at normal cosmetic levels. Still skin is unique so patch testing a new product that contains this ingredient is a smart way to ensure personal compatibility.