What Is Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride?
Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride is a plant-derived quaternary ammonium compound created by linking fatty alcohols from coconut oil with glucose molecules, then reacting the blend with a gentle conditioning agent and finally converting it into its chloride salt form. This marriage of fatty acids and sugars produces a mild surfactant that carries a positive charge, helping it cling to skin and hair surfaces. The ingredient emerged in the late 1990s when formulators searched for alternatives to harsher sulfates and silicone-heavy conditioners, aiming to keep products both effective and more naturally sourced.
Manufacturing starts with coco glucosides, which are made by combining glucose extracted from corn or sugar beets with coconut-derived fatty alcohols. These glucosides are then reacted with myristyldimethylamine through a hydroxypropylation step, giving the molecule its conditioning backbone. A final quaternization with methyl chloride secures the positive charge and yields the chloride salt used in cosmetics. The result is a multifunctional ingredient that performs reliably across a wide pH range and remains biodegradable.
You will typically spot Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride in shampoos, cream and gel cleansers, 2-in-1 body washes, micellar waters, rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, facial masks, moisturizers and lightweight anti-aging lotions where a touch of cleansing or slip is needed without greasiness.
Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient brings several helpful roles to personal care formulas
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant head lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup while keeping the skin barrier calm making it suitable for daily-use cleansers and baby products
- Skin conditioning: The positively charged quaternary group binds lightly to skin and hair, leaving a soft conditioned feel that reduces static and enhances smoothness without heavy residue
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay blended, which stabilizes lotions, creams and masks, prevents separation over time and improves overall texture and spreadability
Who Can Use Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride
Because this ingredient is both mild and conditioning it suits most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Its gentle cleansing action removes grime without stripping lipids while the positive charge helps calm static on hair and leaves skin smooth. People with extremely reactive or broken skin should watch for any tingling or warmth on first use since cationic surfactants can occasionally amplify sensitivity in compromised barriers.
The raw materials come from coconut oil and plant sugars so the molecule is free of animal derivatives making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Always check that the final product is certified cruelty free if that is important to you.
No research links Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride to reproductive or developmental concerns. It is a large, water-soluble compound that tends to stay on the surface of skin and hair rather than entering the bloodstream. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run their entire skincare routine past a qualified doctor to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also color safe for hair care and compatible with most commonly used actives such as niacinamide, panthenol and mild acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical use of Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride differ from person to person. The effects below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is included at typical cosmetic levels and formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as burning or stinging on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Transient redness or itching that resolves after rinsing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in users with specific quaternary ammonium allergies
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
- Hair limpness or buildup when used in high concentrations or without thorough rinsing
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use, rinse the area with plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride is highly water-soluble, carries a positive charge and leaves only a whisper-thin film on skin. It is not an oily emollient and is easily rinsed away, which keeps pore blockage risk low. As a result products using it rarely cause blackheads or whiteheads.
Overall this ingredient is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it often appears alongside heavier plant oils in creamy cleansers, any clogging you experience is more likely linked to those companion lipids rather than to this quaternary surfactant itself.
Summary
Myristyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Cocoglucosides Chloride cleanses, conditions skin and hair and stabilizes oil-in-water mixes. The sugar-based surfactant head lifts dirt while the positively charged tail latches onto the skin surface for a soft feel and anti-static slip. Its emulsifying ability keeps formulas smooth and uniform.
Although not a household name it has become a quiet favorite among formulators who want sulfate-free cleansers and lightweight conditioners with a greener image. You will spot it most often in gentle shampoos, micellar cleansers and leave-in sprays.
Safety profiles from both industry testing and independent reviews rate it as low-risk when used in typical cosmetic amounts. Still, skin is individual so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this ingredient before full use.