What Is Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside?
Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside is a plant-derived ingredient created by joining ethyl glucoside, a sugar obtained from corn or wheat, with myristic acid, a fatty acid usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The resulting molecule has a sugar head that loves water and a fatty tail that loves oil, which gives it useful surface-active properties.
This green surfactant was introduced in the late 1990s as brands looked for gentler, more biodegradable alternatives to traditional sulfates. Today it is produced through either enzymatic or mild chemical esterification, a process that attaches the fatty acid to the sugar under controlled heat and pH, then purifies the final ester.
You will most often spot Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside in foaming facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, body washes, baby bath products, lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks and makeup removers where a mild cleansing or emulsifying action is required.
Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multitasker improves everyday formulas:
- Cleansing – its balanced water-loving and oil-loving structure lifts away dirt, makeup and excess sebum without stripping skin or hair, making washes feel gentle yet effective
- Emulsifying – helps blend water and oil phases into a smooth, stable lotion or cream which in turn enhances texture, spreadability and shelf life
Who Can Use Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside
This gentle, sugar-based surfactant suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive because it cleans without harsh foaming and has a low risk of disruption to the skin barrier. Extremely reactive or compromised skin may still wish to approach any new cleanser with caution simply because even mild surfactants can feel drying if used too frequently.
The ingredient is produced from plant sources and contains no animal-derived materials, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Its manufacturing process does not normally involve animal testing, especially when sourced from suppliers that follow modern cruelty-free standards.
Current safety data shows no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside is used at typical cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check all personal care products with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
The molecule itself is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also mixes well with most common skincare actives, allowing it to be used in both rinse-off and leave-on formulas without special restrictions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside can vary from person to person. The following list covers potential issues that could arise, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in well-formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging
- Dryness or tightness if the product is left on the skin for prolonged periods
- Contact allergy presenting as itching or small rash in highly sensitive individuals
- Eye irritation or watering if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside is highly water soluble and quickly rinses away, so it does not linger on the skin long enough to block pores. Its sugar head attracts water while the fatty tail is relatively short compared with heavier fatty acids, keeping the molecule light and non-occlusive. For these reasons it receives a low score of 1.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No studies link this ingredient to increased sebum production or follicular plugging. Formulas that combine it with heavier oils or butters could still feel greasy, so always consider the product as a whole.
Summary
Myristoyl Ethyl Glucoside is a plant-based surfactant that cleanses and emulsifies by pairing a water-loving sugar with an oil-loving fatty acid, allowing it to lift away grime then rinse off cleanly while also keeping oil and water mixed in lotions or creams. It shows up most often in gentle cleansers, micellar waters and baby washes, though it is still less common than classic sulfates or coco-glucoside alternatives.
Current safety data and practical experience rate it as low risk for irritation, sensitization or pore clogging when used at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a fresh product first just to be safe.