What Is Lauramide/Myristamide Dea?
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA is a blend of fatty acid amides made by reacting coconut or palm kernel oils, which are rich in lauric and myristic acids, with diethanolamine. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves well in water and bonds easily with both oil and water based ingredients. First introduced to personal care labs in the 1960s, it offered chemists a simple way to create richer, more stable foams than plain soap could provide. Its production is straightforward: plant oils are split to release free fatty acids, these acids react with diethanolamine under controlled heat, then the mixture is purified and standardized for consistent quality.
Thanks to its performance and cost balance, Lauramide/Myristamide DEA appears in many everyday products. You will most often see it in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps, shaving creams, exfoliating scrubs and some clay or cream masks. It is also added to a few styling gels and mousses where extra thickness and smooth pouring are desired.
Lauramide/Myristamide Dea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient earns its place on labels for several helpful reasons
- Antistatic – reduces static charge on hair so strands stay smooth and are easier to comb or style
- Cleansing – helps loosen dirt, oil and product buildup, allowing water to wash them away for a fresh feel
- Foam Boosting – increases the volume and stability of lather, giving shampoos and washes that rich sudsy texture many users expect
- Viscosity Controlling – thickens watery formulas so they pour nicely, stay on skin or hair longer and look more luxurious
Who Can Use Lauramide/Myristamide Dea
Products containing Lauramide/Myristamide DEA are generally suitable for oily, combination and normal skin because the cleansing action removes excess oil without leaving a heavy residue. Very dry or highly sensitive skin may find frequent use a bit stripping, since the ingredient can take away natural lipids that help keep skin comfortable. On hair, all textures can use it, though color-treated or brittle strands might prefer gentle cleansers that rely less on this foam booster.
The compound is made from plant oils so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished formula is cruelty free and the palm source is sustainably harvested.
Current safety reviews indicate topical use is acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding when found in rinse-off products like shampoo or body wash. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new personal care items, just to be safe.
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no special need for extra sun protection beyond the normal daily use of sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Lauramide/Myristamide DEA can differ from person to person. The points below describe potential issues, not the typical experience. When the ingredient is used at the levels allowed by cosmetic regulations most people will use it without trouble.
- Skin dryness or tightness, especially with frequent washing
- Mild irritation or redness on sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to DEA derivatives
- Eye stinging or watering if the lather gets into the eyes
- Scalp or hair shaft dryness that can show up as dullness or frizz
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (low risk)
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA is highly water soluble and most often used in rinse-off cleansers, so it spends little time on skin and is easily washed away. Its polar structure keeps it from nesting in pores the way heavier oils can. Documented cases of acne triggered by this ingredient are scarce, mostly limited to leave-on products where it is seldom used.
Overall it is considered suitable for acne-prone skin, though as with any surfactant over-washing can still upset the skin barrier.
Only if a product is not rinsed well or is combined with very occlusive follow-up products would the comedogenic risk edge higher, but that scenario is uncommon.
Summary
Lauramide/Myristamide DEA thickens formulas, boosts foam, cuts static and helps lift away dirt and oil by surrounding grime with its dual-natured structure so water can whisk it off. These abilities let brands craft creamy stable lathers that feel luxurious yet rinse clean.
It remains a popular budget-friendly helper in shampoos and body washes, though it now competes with newer milder surfactants that carry more marketing buzz.
Safety reviews rate it as low hazard at the modest levels used in rinse-off products, with irritation or allergy only in a small minority of users. Still, when you bring home any new cleanser it is wise to patch test first to be sure your skin stays happy.