What Is Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides?
Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides is a plant based surfactant made by attaching natural sugar molecules to fatty alcohols taken from coconut or palm sources. The sugars come from hydrolyzed wheat bran and wheat straw while the fatty alcohols are a mix of lauryl and myristyl chains. When chemists link the two parts together they create a mild, skin friendly cleanser that works well in water.
Interest in grain derived surfactants started in the 1990s when brands began looking for gentle, biodegradable alternatives to sulfates. The wheat industry produces large amounts of bran and straw as by-products, so scientists found a way to turn those leftovers into useful cosmetic ingredients by breaking them down with enzymes and then bonding the released sugars to fatty alcohols in a process called glycosylation. The result is a surface active compound that cleans without stripping and is fully plant sourced.
Because it is mild and helps stabilize foam, Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides shows up in a wide range of rinse off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters and foaming masks. Formulators also add it to creams, lotions and makeup removers where it helps keep oil and water mixed and improves texture.
Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi tasking ingredient supports formulas in several ways:
- Cleansing – lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without harshness making it ideal for sensitive skin formulas
- Emulsion stabilising – keeps the oil and water phases from separating so the product stays smooth over its shelf life
- Emulsifying – helps create the initial mix of oil and water allowing lighter, more elegant textures
- Foam boosting – increases the amount and stability of foam giving washes a rich lather that consumers associate with effective cleaning
- Viscosity controlling – slightly thickens formulas so they feel substantial, stay put on the skin and dispense easily from tubes or pumps
Who Can Use Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides
This gentle, sugar based surfactant is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Its mild cleansing action removes grime without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, so even reactive or redness-prone complexions usually tolerate it well. There are no known concerns for acne-prone skin because the molecule rinses away cleanly and is not considered pore-clogging.
The ingredient is plant derived with no animal by-products so it is appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers typically source the fatty alcohol portion from coconut or sustainable palm while the sugars come from wheat waste streams, keeping the supply chain free of animal inputs.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Current safety assessments classify the ingredient as low risk for topical use, yet anyone who is expecting or nursing should still discuss new skincare products with a healthcare professional for personal guidance. This information is educational only and not medical advice.
Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make the skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with most other common skincare actives and can be used in daily routines without special precautions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary. The points below outline potential side effects of topical Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides, but these outcomes are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild eye stinging if the product gets into the eyes, particularly with higher foaming formats like shampoos or facial washes
- Temporary skin dryness or tightness when used in very high concentrations or when combined with other strong cleansers
- Contact irritation in rare cases, more likely for people with compromised skin barriers
- Allergic reaction for individuals extremely sensitive to wheat proteins, although the glycoside contains negligible intact gluten
If redness, itching, swelling or any other discomfort develops stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non comedogenic)
Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides is a water soluble surfactant that rinses cleanly from the skin and does not leave an oily film. Its molecular structure is large and highly polar, so it has little ability to slip into pores or mix with skin sebum. Clinical and formulary data show no link between this ingredient and an increase in comedones or breakouts.
Because of this low clogging potential it is generally suitable for people prone to acne or congestion.
Only extremely heavy use of a poorly balanced formula containing very high surfactant levels might cause dryness that could indirectly trigger breakout prone skin to overproduce oil, but this scenario is rare in modern products.
Summary
Lauryl/Myristyl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides is a plant derived multitasker that cleanses, stabilises emulsions, boosts foam, emulsifies oil with water and lends a touch of thickness to keep textures pleasant. It achieves these roles thanks to its dual nature: a sugar side that loves water and a fatty side that grabs onto oils and dirt, letting them rinse away easily.
While not yet a household name it is gaining traction among green beauty brands that want gentle sulfate free cleansers sourced from renewable crops. You will most often spot it in face washes, baby shampoos and micellar waters where softness and biodegradability matter.
Current safety reviews rate the ingredient as low risk for topical use with minimal irritation potential. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a quick patch test first to make sure your own skin agrees.