What Is Myreth-2?
Myreth-2 is a man-made ingredient that belongs to a family called fatty alcohol ethoxylates. It starts with myristyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from coconut or palm oils or produced in a lab. Two tiny units of ethylene oxide are then added to the alcohol, giving Myreth-2 its name and its ability to blend oil and water.
Chemists began using fatty alcohol ethoxylates in personal care during the late 1970s when brands looked for milder alternatives to heavy detergents. Myreth-2 gained popularity in the 1980s for its gentle touch and has remained a staple ever since.
The manufacturing process is straightforward. Myristyl alcohol is placed in a reactor, ethylene oxide gas is introduced under heat and pressure and the reaction is carefully controlled so only two ethoxy units attach. The mix is then cooled, filtered and checked for purity before it is shipped to cosmetic labs.
You will spot Myreth-2 in a wide range of products that need a silky feel and a stable texture. It shows up in face and body lotions, creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup removers, cleansing milks, hair conditioners, masks and even lightweight serums.
Myreth-2’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair products Myreth-2 serves one main purpose that makes many formulas possible.
As an emulsifying agent it helps oil and water stay mixed so creams do not split, lotions feel smooth and cleansing products rinse off cleanly. This role also allows brands to use nourishing plant oils without leaving a greasy film which means the final product feels light and pleasant on skin or hair.
Who Can Use Myreth-2
Because it is a mild emulsifier with a light, non greasy finish, Myreth-2 can suit most skin types including oily, combination, dry and mature skin. People with very sensitive or compromised skin should still check how a finished formula feels on their skin since any surfactant based ingredient can be a trigger for redness in rare cases.
Most suppliers make Myreth-2 from coconut or palm derived myristyl alcohol which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If a brand uses a synthetic source it is also animal free but anyone following a strict lifestyle may want to confirm the origin with the manufacturer.
Available safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Myreth-2 is used at the low levels found in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the ingredient list of every product they plan to use to their doctor just to stay on the safe side.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sunlight, self tanners or common actives like retinol or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Myreth-2 vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but they are not common in well formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness or stinging in people with very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if a product containing Myreth-2 gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to fatty alcohol ethoxylates
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myreth-2 is classed as a low comedogenic risk because its structure is mostly water-loving thanks to the two ethoxy units. This keeps it from sitting in pores the way heavier oils can. It is used at small percentages, often in rinse-off or lightweight leave-on products, which further reduces the chance of buildup. People who break out easily usually tolerate it well.
No meaningful reports link Myreth-2 to worsening acne and it is commonly paired with non-pore-clogging ingredients. That said, the finished formula matters more than any single component because rich butters or waxes in the same product can still cause congestion.
Summary
Myreth-2 is a gentle emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed, giving creams, lotions and cleansers a smooth feel that spreads easily and rinses clean. It performs this job by balancing a fatty alcohol tail that loves oil with two ethoxy units that love water, acting like a tiny bridge between the two phases.
While not a headline ingredient it remains a quiet workhorse found in many legacy and mass-market formulas, valued for reliability, mildness and cost effectiveness.
Current safety reviews show Myreth-2 is low risk for irritation or sensitization at cosmetic levels, and its low comedogenic rating makes it broadly suitable across skin types. As with any new product a brief patch test is a smart step, especially for sensitive or reactive skin.