What Is Dimyristyl Phosphate?
Dimyristyl Phosphate is a phosphate ester made from two molecules of myristyl alcohol joined to a single phosphate group. Myristyl alcohol itself comes from myristic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. By reacting purified myristyl alcohol with food grade phosphoric acid, chemists create a fine white powder that disperses easily in water or oil. The ingredient first appeared in skin care labs in the 1960s when formulators were looking for milder surfactants that could also keep oil and water blended. Today it is common in facial cleansers, body washes, makeup removers, lightweight lotions, sunscreens, hair conditioners and even some color cosmetics where a stable, silky texture is needed.
Dimyristyl Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient brings several practical benefits to everyday beauty products.
- Cleansing: The phosphate head attracts water while the twin fatty tails attract oils. This dual nature lifts dirt, makeup and excess sebum from the skin then rinses it away without harshness
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water mix into a uniform lotion or cream so the formula stays smooth, stable and pleasant to apply
Who Can Use Dimyristyl Phosphate
Dimyristyl Phosphate is generally considered friendly for most skin types including normal, dry, combination and oily. Its mild cleansing action and low irritation profile make it a workable option even for sensitive skin, though anyone with a known phosphate allergy should avoid it. The ingredient does not clog pores easily so acne-prone users normally tolerate it well.
Because the raw materials can be sourced from coconut or palm kernels rather than animal by-products, Dimyristyl Phosphate is typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand clearly states plant origin or carries a vegan certification, plant sourcing is confirmed.
There are no published concerns that the ingredient penetrates deeply or enters the bloodstream, so formulas containing Dimyristyl Phosphate are not flagged for pregnancy or breastfeeding risk. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skin care products with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
The molecule is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common actives such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and most sunscreen filters, giving formulators flexibility in mixed products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Dimyristyl Phosphate can vary person to person. The points below list potential reactions, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in well-formulated products.
- Skin redness or mild irritation
- Transient stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to phosphate esters
- Eye irritation if a cleanser containing the ingredient is allowed to sit in the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions, stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Although Dimyristyl Phosphate is built from a fatty alcohol, converting it into a phosphate ester makes the molecule more water friendly and less likely to sit inside pores. It is usually used at low levels in formulas and often in rinse-off products, both factors that keep clogging risk minimal. For these reasons the ingredient earns a low comedogenic score of 1, meaning it is generally suitable for skin that breaks out easily.
Because comedogenicity can rise when an ingredient is blended with heavy oils or used in very rich leave-on creams, check the overall product texture if you have stubborn acne.
Summary
Dimyristyl Phosphate acts mainly as a mild cleanser and a reliable emulsifier. Its phosphate head loves water and its twin myristyl tails love oil, so it can surround grime then lift it away or keep oil and water phases blended into a smooth stable lotion.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline maker, appearing in many mainstream cleansers, makeup removers, light lotions, sunscreens and some hair products where a silky feel is wanted without heaviness.
Safety data show a low irritation profile and almost no systemic absorption, so most people can use it without concern. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area first is a smart way to rule out individual sensitivity.