What Is Myristamide Dipa?
Myristamide Dipa is a cosmetic ingredient created by combining myristic acid, a fatty acid naturally present in nutmeg butter and coconut oil, with dipropanolamine, a mild amine derived from propylene oxide. Chemically it is known as tetradecanoic acid compounded with 1,1′-iminobis[2-propanol] in a 1:1 ratio. The pairing turns the waxy myristic acid into a water-compatible amide, giving it surface-active properties that are useful in personal care.
The ingredient entered the beauty scene in the late 1970s when formulators were searching for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates. By reacting myristic acid with dipropanolamine under controlled heat and vacuum, chemists produced a molecule that cleans effectively yet feels silky on skin. The process involves neutralizing the fatty acid with the amine, removing water that forms during the reaction then purifying the finished paste-like material.
Today you will find Myristamide Dipa in face and body cleansers, foam washes, bubble baths, exfoliating scrubs, sheet mask essences and even some cream shampoos. Its ability to boost foam while keeping formulas mild makes it popular in products positioned for sensitive or dry skin.
Myristamide Dipa’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for Myristamide Dipa because it brings several practical advantages to wash-off products.
- Cleansing: Lowers surface tension so oils, makeup and daily grime lift away easily, leaving skin feeling fresh without a tight or squeaky sensation
- Foam boosting: Works alongside primary surfactants to create a richer, more stable lather that consumers associate with an effective clean which can improve the sensory appeal of a product
Who Can Use Myristamide Dipa
Because it is a mild secondary surfactant, Myristamide Dipa generally suits normal, dry, combination and even sensitive skin, offering cleansing power without an aggressive stripping effect. Oily and acne-prone skin can also benefit from its ability to remove excess sebum yet leave a soft after-feel. Those with an extremely compromised skin barrier, active dermatitis or open wounds might prefer to avoid any foaming agent until the area has healed.
The ingredient is produced from plant-derived fatty acids and a synthetically manufactured amine, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians as no animal-sourced materials are involved in standard production. As always it is wise to check a finished product’s full ingredient list to confirm that no other animal derivatives are present.
Current safety data show no specific reproductive hazards, so products containing Myristamide Dipa are generally viewed as safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should have a healthcare professional review any skincare they plan to use just to be sure.
Myristamide Dipa does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also non-volatile and fragrance-free, which can be helpful for users looking to avoid airborne or scent-related triggers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Myristamide Dipa differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Transient stinging or redness
- Dry or tight feeling if used in high concentration or alongside other strong surfactants
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or a rash
- Potential for nitrosamine formation if a formula also contains nitrite preservatives, though reputable manufacturers formulate to prevent this
If any irritation or discomfort develops stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Myristamide Dipa is an amide surfactant that is water soluble, does not occlude pores and is typically used in rinse-off formulas, all of which keep its pore-clogging potential very low. It is therefore generally fine for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. Because it is usually combined with other cleansing agents rather than heavy oils, it rarely lingers on the skin long enough to create blockages. No published data link the ingredient to increased comedone formation, and its fatty acid backbone is neutralized in the amide form, further lowering risk.
Summary
Myristamide Dipa acts mainly as a mild cleanser and foam booster, loosening dirt, makeup and excess oil while enriching lather so a wash feels creamy and satisfying. It achieves this by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing oily particles to mix with water and rinse away easily.
Although not a superstar found in every product, it enjoys steady popularity in gentle face washes, body cleansers and bubble baths aimed at sensitive or dry skin because it delivers a soft skin feel without harshness.
Current research and decades of use show Myristamide Dipa is considered safe for most users with minimal irritation risk. As with any cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a new product first to make sure your skin agrees with the formula.