What Is Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate?
Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate is a conditioning agent made by joining guanidine, a naturally occurring nitrogen compound, with fatty acids that come mainly from coconut or palm oil. These fatty acids are myristic (C14) and palmitic (C16) acids. When they are linked to a short butyl chain that carries guanidine then neutralized with acetic acid, the result is a salt that dissolves well in water yet still carries the nourishing feel of an oil.
The idea of pairing guanidine with fatty acids first gained attention in the late 1990s when formulators were looking for gentler alternatives to traditional cationic surfactants used in hair care. Over time labs refined the process so the ingredient could be produced in a consistent, high-purity form suitable for leave-on and rinse-off products.
Manufacturing starts with plant-derived fatty acids that are converted into amides. A controlled reaction adds the butyl guanidine group, and a final step with acetic acid turns the compound into its acetate salt. The careful pH adjustment in this last step is what gives the ingredient its mildness and compatibility with other cosmetic raw materials.
You are most likely to spot Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate in hair masks, color-protecting shampoos, leave-in conditioners, anti-static sprays, styling creams and some skin emulsions where a light non-greasy feel is needed.
Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multitasking ingredient improves beauty formulas
- Antistatic – reduces static electricity so hair stays smooth, manageable and less flyaway
- Emulsion stabilising – helps water and oil stay mixed, giving creams and lotions a uniform texture and longer shelf life
- Hair conditioning – deposits a thin, silky layer on the hair shaft that boosts softness and shine without weighing strands down
Who Can Use Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for all skin and hair types. Its cationic nature helps it cling to damaged hair without building up on oily scalps or weighing down fine strands. On skin it leaves a lightweight feel that does not clog pores so it suits dry, normal and combination complexions. Very sensitive or reactive skin could still experience irritation if a product is heavily fragranced or combined with other strong actives, but the guanidine acetate itself is not known to be a common trigger.
The fatty acids used to make Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate are plant derived, normally from coconut or sustainable palm, and no animal by-products are involved in its manufacturing. Because of this it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished formula also meets cruelty-free standards.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low concentrations found in cosmetics. That said this information is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new personal care products just to be safe.
The molecule does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight so there is no extra risk of sunburn or pigmentation. It also plays well with common hair and skin care actives including proteins, silicones, mild surfactants and most preservatives which makes it versatile across rinse-off and leave-on products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that have been noted in rare cases. When the ingredient is used correctly most people will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Build-up on hair when used in very high concentrations leading to limp feel
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitised to cationic amides
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Although Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate is built from the same fatty acids that can sometimes clog pores, the guanidine group converts them into a water-soluble salt that rinses clean and leaves only a micro-thin film on skin. This greatly lowers the chance of blocked pores, giving it a low score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most formulations. Only very oily skin types using multiple heavy leave-on products at once might notice buildup.
Summary
Myrist/Palmitamidobutyl Guanidine Acetate works as an antistatic agent, an emulsion stabiliser and a lightweight hair conditioner. Its positive charge helps it bond to damaged hair cuticles taming flyaways, while its partial oil-like backbone smooths and softens without greasiness. In creams it nestles at the water-oil interface keeping formulas stable and silky.
The ingredient is still a niche choice compared with classic quats or silicones but formulators who want plant-derived gentle conditioners are picking it up more each year, especially in premium hair masks and clean beauty lines.
Current data show it is low irritation, non-sensitising and safe for use at the small percentages found in cosmetics. As with any new product it is wise to patch test first to be sure your skin or scalp agrees with the complete formula.