What Is Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate?
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is a mild surfactant made by joining L-glutamic acid, an amino acid usually obtained from sugar beets or corn, with myristic acid, a fatty acid most often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The two components are first linked to form myristoyl glutamic acid, which is then neutralized with sodium to create the final salt. This amino-acid surfactant family emerged in the late twentieth century as brands looked for gentler alternatives to traditional soaps. Because it marries a plant-based amino acid with a natural fatty acid, the ingredient is prized for being biodegradable and skin friendly.
You are most likely to spot Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate in foaming facial cleansers, sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, baby washes and low-soap syndet bars. It can also appear in shaving creams, intimate hygiene products and micellar waters, where its gentle cleansing ability helps create a soft creamy lather without stripping the skin.
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate serves one key purpose in skincare and haircare products.
Cleansing: It lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup while keeping the skin’s acid mantle intact. The molecule’s amino-acid head is naturally compatible with skin, which helps reduce irritation and tightness compared with harsher surfactants. Its creamy low-bubble foam leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned, making it an excellent choice for daily use formulas and for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Who Can Use Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate
This gentle surfactant is well tolerated by most skin types, including oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin. Its mild nature and skin-friendly pH make it unlikely to trigger tightness or stinging, even for people prone to eczema or rosacea. There are no specific skin types that must avoid it, though anyone with a known allergy to coconut-derived ingredients should read labels carefully.
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians because the glutamic acid comes from plant sugars and the myristic acid is most often taken from coconut or palm kernel oil. A few suppliers may still use animal-derived fatty acids, so shoppers who strictly avoid animal inputs should look for products that state they are vegan or plant based.
Current safety data shows no issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear new skincare with a qualified health professional to stay on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common actives like retinoids, vitamin C and exfoliating acids, making it easy to slot into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate vary from person to person. The following points list potential side effects, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation – temporary redness or itching can occur in people with very reactive skin
- Eye stinging – if a cleanser containing the ingredient gets into the eyes it may cause brief discomfort
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare cases of allergy have been reported, usually linked to sensitivity to coconut derivatives
If any irritation or discomfort develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is water soluble, rinses clean and leaves no oily residue that could clog pores. Studies and formulator feedback show it does not block follicles or encourage blackheads, so it earns a non-comedogenic score of zero.
That makes it suitable for people who are acne prone or breakout prone.
Because it is usually used in wash-off products the skin has even less contact time, which further lowers any clogging risk.
Summary
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate is a gentle amino-acid surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and product build-up while respecting the skin’s natural barrier. Its glutamic acid head loves water and its myristic acid tail loves oil, allowing it to surround grime so it can be rinsed away without leaving skin tight.
The ingredient shows up in more and more sulfate-free cleansers, baby washes and shampoo bars, though it is still less common than classic sulfates or glucosides. Brands that focus on sensitive skin and eco friendly formulas are driving its rise in popularity.
Safety data and real-world use point to a very low risk of irritation or sensitization. Even so it is smart to patch test any new product to check for personal reactions and to enjoy its benefits with confidence.