What Is Myristyl Phosphate?
Myristyl Phosphate, formally known as tetradecyl dihydrogen phosphate, is a phosphate ester created by combining myristyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, with phosphoric acid. The reaction yields a molecule that has a long, oil loving (lipophilic) tail and a phosphate head that is attracted to water. This dual nature helps it sit at the border of oil and water, a property that is valuable in many personal care formulas.
The ingredient started appearing in cosmetic labs in the late 1970s when formulators were searching for gentler alternatives to harsh sulfates. Its mild cleansing ability, paired with an impressive capacity to stabilize and boost foam, quickly earned it a place in everyday rinse off products. Today manufacturers continue to favor it because it can be produced in large scale through a straightforward esterification process, making it cost effective and reliable.
You will most often find Myristyl Phosphate in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, toothpaste, micellar waters, bubble baths and makeup removing wipes. It occasionally shows up in lightweight moisturizers and masks where a subtle cleansing or foaming effect is desired without stripping the skin.
Myristyl Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the main ways formulators use Myristyl Phosphate.
- Cleansing – Its amphiphilic structure loosens dirt, excess oil and makeup then helps them rinse away with water, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh but not tight
- Oral Care – In toothpaste it lifts food debris and plaque while producing a satisfying foam that signals cleanliness to the user
- Foam Boosting – It strengthens and stabilizes bubbles created by primary surfactants so products lather faster and feel creamier during use
Who Can Use Myristyl Phosphate
Because it is a mild cleansing agent with a balanced pH, Myristyl Phosphate is generally well tolerated by normal, oily and combination skin. Dry or very sensitive skin can also benefit since the ingredient tends to cleanse without pulling away too much natural oil, though people with compromised or eczema-prone skin may prefer richer, non-foaming formulas.
The fatty alcohol portion is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, so products using plant-derived supply chains are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If animal-derived feedstocks were ever used, brands must disclose this, so checking with the manufacturer is wise for strict lifestyle preferences.
Current safety data shows no reproductive toxicity, meaning pregnant or breastfeeding users can usually use products containing Myristyl Phosphate. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all personal care products past a qualified healthcare professional to be absolutely sure.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it does not add any extra photosensitivity risk. It also plays nicely with most common skincare actives such as niacinamide, vitamin C and AHAs, making it easy to slot into existing routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Myristyl Phosphate can vary from person to person. The points below describe potential outcomes, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard levels in well-formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or a stinging sensation, more likely on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact allergy presenting as itching, rash or small bumps in individuals who develop sensitivity to phosphate esters
- Eye irritation or watering if a foaming product accidentally enters the eyes
- Dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or when combined with other strong surfactants
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Myristyl Phosphate has a long fatty tail yet a highly water-attracted phosphate head, so it rinses away instead of sitting on skin and blocking pores. Both lab data and day-to-day user reports show very few acne flare ups linked to this ingredient at the low levels found in cleansers and toothpastes.
With such a low score, most acne-prone users can feel comfortable using products that contain Myristyl Phosphate.
Keep in mind that pore clogging potential always depends on the full formula. If Myristyl Phosphate is combined with heavy oils or waxes the finished product might still feel occlusive, so review the entire ingredient list for a clearer picture.
Summary
Myristyl Phosphate delivers gentle cleansing, foam boosting and oral care benefits thanks to its dual nature: the lipophilic tail grabs oil and debris while the phosphate head lets water whisk it all away, creating a soft creamy lather that does not strip skin.
It is not the flashiest ingredient on shelves, yet formulators keep reaching for it because it is cost effective, dependable and easy to slot into everyday rinse-off products like face washes, shampoos and toothpastes.
Safety studies show a low risk of irritation or long-term health concerns, making it a generally safe pick for most people. As with any new product, do a quick patch test to be sure your skin agrees before adding it to your routine.