What Is Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is a specialty form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides then linked with myristic acid, a 14-carbon fatty acid. The final step adds triethanolamine (TEA) to create a salt that is easy to blend into water-based cosmetic formulas. This pairing of protein fragments with a lightweight fatty chain makes the material both water friendly and oil compatible, giving formulators a versatile conditioning agent.
Collagen itself has long been prized for giving skin a supple feel. In the late twentieth century chemists discovered that shortening collagen into hydrolyzed peptides improved its ability to sit smoothly on skin and hair. Soon after, lipidated versions such as Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen were developed to boost surface affinity and rinse resistance, letting the ingredient perform better in cleansing and leave-on products.
Production starts with collagen sourced from fish or bovine hide that is enzymatically hydrolyzed into low-molecular-weight peptides. These peptides react with myristic acid chloride to form myristoyl peptides, and the mixture is neutralized with TEA, yielding a mild, ready-to-use powder or liquid.
You will spot Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen in shampoos, conditioners, co-wash formulas, anti-frizz serums, facial cleansers, sheet masks, soothing creams, anti-aging serums, body lotions and even shaving foams where extra slip and conditioning are desired.
Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the key roles this ingredient plays in beauty products and why formulators choose it.
- Antistatic: Helps reduce static electricity on hair strands so styles stay smoother and flyaways are minimized.
- Cleansing: Contributes mild surfactant properties, aiding in lifting away dirt and oil without stripping natural moisture.
- Hair conditioning: Forms a light film along the cuticle, improving softness, combability and overall shine.
- Skin conditioning: Deposits small collagen peptides on the skin surface, creating a silky afterfeel and supporting a plump appearance.
Who Can Use Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
Because this ingredient is both mild and balanced between water and oil loving parts it generally suits dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin. Its lightweight film helps thirsty skin feel smoother without leaving a greasy trace so it can also work for oily skin, though people who clog easily may prefer to monitor how their skin responds over time.
Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is usually sourced from fish or bovine hides which means it is not appropriate for vegans or strict vegetarians. Brands occasionally offer a synthetic or plant-derived version but those are rare so anyone following a vegan lifestyle will want to verify the origin with the manufacturer.
Current data shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is applied topically in cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should ask a qualified health professional before adding new products to their routine.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it does not contain known hormone disruptors. Its gentle nature also means it can be used on color-treated hair without fading dyes.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen can differ. The points below cover possible but uncommon reactions. When the ingredient is formulated correctly most people enjoy it without issues.
- Mild redness or stinging on very reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in users with a collagen or fish allergy
- Congested pores or small breakouts on acne-prone skin due to the fatty chain
- Build-up on fine hair that can leave strands feeling heavy if the product is not rinsed thoroughly
If you notice any irritation or other unwanted effect stop using the product right away and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5
Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen carries a small fatty tail that can linger on skin and potentially trap oil, but it is paired with water-soluble collagen peptides that keep the overall molecule light. In most rinse-off and lightweight leave-on formulas it sits on the surface without fully blocking pores, giving it a low to moderate clogging risk rather than a high one.
Suitable for acne-prone skin in many cases, though individuals who break out easily may still want to choose lighter textures or use the ingredient mainly in wash-off products.
How comedogenic it feels also depends on the rest of the formula and how often it is layered with heavier oils or occlusives.
Summary
Tea-Myristoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen offers antistatic, cleansing, hair conditioning and skin conditioning benefits by combining tiny collagen peptides with a short fatty chain. The peptide side delivers a smooth, plumping film while the myristoyl portion anchors that film to hair and skin, adding slip and mild surfactant action.
It is not the hottest buzzword in beauty but it enjoys steady use in shampoos, conditioners, facial cleansers and lotions where gentle conditioning is needed without heavy buildup.
Overall safety is considered high, with low irritation potential and no known hormone activity. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to patch test a new product first to be sure it suits your own skin and scalp.