What Is Myristyl Glucoside?
Myristyl glucoside is a plant based surfactant made by joining glucose, usually sourced from corn or sugar beets, with myristyl alcohol obtained from coconut or palm oil. The result is Tetradecyl D-glucopyranoside, a gentle cleansing ingredient that falls into the family of alkyl glucosides often chosen for natural or sensitive skin formulas. First introduced in the early 1990s as part of the movement toward milder, eco friendly cleansers, it quickly earned a place in personal care thanks to its low irritation potential and good biodegradability. Manufacturing involves reacting the natural sugar with the fatty alcohol under controlled heat and acid conditions, then purifying the mixture until a clear to pale yellow liquid or paste forms. You will spot myristyl glucoside in facial cleansers, body washes, baby shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers, foaming masks and other rinse off or wipe off products that need soft yet effective cleansing action.
Myristyl Glucoside’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas myristyl glucoside serves one clear purpose that brings several practical benefits.
Cleansing: This surfactant loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they can be rinsed away with water. It produces a light, creamy foam that feels pleasant without stripping the skin, helping brands create gentle sulfate free products suitable for daily use and for users with sensitive or dry skin.
Who Can Use Myristyl Glucoside
This mild surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin because it cleans without aggressive stripping. Those with very dry or compromised skin should still look for formulas where it is paired with moisturising ingredients so cleansing feels comfortable. Myristyl glucoside is sourced from plant sugars and plant derived fatty alcohols so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles provided the finished product is certified cruelty free. Current safety data shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in wash off products, yet this text is not medical advice, so anyone expecting or nursing should discuss any skincare routine with their doctor to be extra cautious. Myristyl glucoside is not known to cause photosensitivity and there are no special sun exposure rules tied to its use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical myristyl glucoside can differ. The points below list potential side effects, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated into a cosmetic product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or tingling, usually linked to higher concentrations or prolonged contact time
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Dryness or tightness in very dry or eczema prone skin when the formula lacks adequate moisturisers
- Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare event of a true allergy to the ingredient
If any discomfort, persistent redness or itching occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Myristyl glucoside earns a low score because it is a water soluble, plant derived surfactant that rinses clean without leaving an oily film that could block pores. It is unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads on its own, making it generally suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin. Only if the finished formula also contains heavier occlusive oils could the overall product become more comedogenic.
Summary
Myristyl glucoside is mainly valued for gentle cleansing. By binding to dirt and oil while lifting them away with water, it delivers a soft foam that cleans without stripping skin or hair, which is why it shows up in baby shampoos, micellar waters, face washes and other mild daily cleansers. Though not the most famous surfactant on ingredient lists, it is gaining popularity among natural beauty brands looking for effective sulfate free alternatives.
Safety data classifies it as low risk for irritation, allergy or pore clogging, especially in rinse off products. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product containing myristyl glucoside before regular use.