What Is Dimethyl Myristamine?
Dimethyl Myristamine, also written as dimethyl(tetradecyl)amine, is a fatty amine obtained by combining myristic acid–a naturally occurring C14 fatty acid found in coconut and palm kernel oil–with dimethylamine. The result is a soft, waxy ingredient that carries a light, faintly fatty scent and is completely water insoluble on its own.
Fatty amines started gaining popularity in personal care during the late 1960s when formulators were searching for gentler alternatives to harsher surfactants. By the mid-1970s Dimethyl Myristamine had carved out a niche in rinse-off hair products because it helped tame static and left hair feeling silky. Today the ingredient is produced on an industrial scale through a two-step process: first myristic acid is converted into myristyl chloride, then it reacts with dimethylamine in the presence of a catalyst to produce Dimethyl Myristamine.
You will most often spot this ingredient in rinse-off and leave-on hair conditioners, anti frizz creams, detangling sprays, styling mousses and some skin care emulsions designed to leave a velvety finish.
Dimethyl Myristamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulations Dimethyl Myristamine offers two key functions
- Antistatic: It neutralizes the electrical charge that builds up on hair strands during washing, drying or brushing which helps prevent flyaways and gives hair a smoother sleeker look
- Hair conditioning: Its fatty chain deposits a thin, lubricating film on the hair cuticle improving slip, making detangling easier and leaving hair feeling softer and more manageable
Who Can Use Dimethyl Myristamine
Because Dimethyl Myristamine is primarily a hair care additive rather than a facial active it is generally considered suitable for all skin and scalp types including oily, dry, sensitive and combination. It forms a lightweight conditioning film that rinses away easily so it rarely weighs hair down or clogs follicles. That said extremely sensitive or eczema-prone scalps should watch for any tingling or redness when first trying a new formula that contains it, as with any cationic conditioning agent.
The ingredient is produced from plant-derived myristic acid obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil and combined with synthetic dimethylamine, so it is typically vegan and vegetarian friendly. Anyone following a strictly plant-based lifestyle should still check with the brand to confirm that the fatty acid feedstock was not sourced from animal fats or processed with animal-derived catalysts.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women regarding topical use of Dimethyl Myristamine. Current safety assessments conclude that normal cosmetic levels pose no reproductive or developmental risk, yet this information is not a substitute for medical advice, therefore expectant or nursing mothers should run any personal care product past their physician just to be safe.
Dimethyl Myristamine does not increase photosensitivity and it has no known interactions with UV filters, self tanners or common styling actives. It is also odor neutral, making it suitable for users who are sensitive to fragrance allergens.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Dimethyl Myristamine vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues that could arise although most users experience none of them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to fatty amines
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally drips into the eyes during use
- Product buildup leading to limp or greasy-feeling hair when used in very high concentrations or without adequate rinsing
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Dimethyl Myristamine has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. Although it is derived from a fatty acid, it is cationic and water insoluble which means it tends to stay on the hair shaft and rinse away rather than soak into facial pores. Its film-forming action is lightweight and does not create the kind of greasy occlusion linked with pore blockage. Because of this low score, the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Very sensitive or severely oily skin types may still prefer to limit direct facial contact, but the risk of clogged pores is minimal.
Summary
Dimethyl Myristamine works primarily as an antistatic and hair conditioning agent. The long C14 fatty chain smooths down the cuticle while its positively charged amine head neutralizes static, leaving hair softer, easier to detangle and less flyaway. It is a niche ingredient most often found in conditioners, leave-ins and styling products rather than mainstream skincare, so it is not as widely recognized as silicone or quaternary ammonium alternatives yet formulators value it for its gentle feel and plant-derived origin.
Current safety data show that Dimethyl Myristamine is well tolerated at typical cosmetic levels with only rare cases of irritation or allergy. As with any new personal care product it is wise to perform a quick patch test when first trying a formula containing this ingredient to make sure it suits your individual skin and scalp needs.