What Is Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate?
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate is a mild surfactant created by joining fatty acids from coconut or palm kernels, mainly lauric and myristic acids, with the amino acid aspartic acid. The end result is a salt form known chemically as sodium hydrogen C12-14-acylaminobutanedioate, which carries both water-loving and oil-loving parts, letting it mingle with dirt and oils so they can be rinsed away easily.
The concept of pairing amino acids with fatty acids took off in the late twentieth century as formulators searched for gentler alternatives to sulfates. By coupling plant-derived fatty chains with an amino acid already found in the body, chemists produced a cleanser that respects the skin’s natural barrier while still foaming well. Today large-scale production typically starts with plant oils that are split into fatty acids, reacted with aspartic acid to form an amide, then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to reach the final powdered or granulated ingredient.
You will spot Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate in face and body washes, creamy cleansers, foaming masks, micellar waters, gentle shampoos and even some leave-on hair conditioners where a light touch of cleansing helps prevent buildup.
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient supports both skin and hair care formulas in a few key ways:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away excess oil, sweat and environmental grime while creating a soft, cushiony lather that rinses clean without stripping
- Hair conditioning: The amino acid portion helps reduce static and smooth the cuticle so hair feels softer, easier to detangle and less prone to frizz
Who Can Use Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate
This ingredient is gentle enough for nearly every skin type, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, because it cleanses without stripping away the skin’s natural lipids. Those with very compromised or highly reactive skin should still proceed cautiously since any surfactant can be a potential irritant if overused. People with known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives may also want to avoid it because the fatty acids often come from those sources.
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate is produced from plant oils and an amino acid, with no animal by-products involved, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data does not flag this ingredient as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should confirm the suitability of all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider.
The ingredient does not induce photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also considered non-comedogenic at typical use levels and rinses cleanly from hair without weighing it down.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate can vary. The following points outline potential side effects, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used properly:
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those allergic to coconut or palm derivatives
- Transient eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or with prolonged contact time
If any unpleasant reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (very low)
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily and does not leave an oily film that could block pores. It is used at low levels in rinse-off products and, even when left on the skin in a light conditioner, its structure keeps it from trapping sebum or dead skin cells. The fatty acid portion is balanced by the highly water-loving amino acid salt, which further reduces any pore-clogging potential.
Because of its very low rating this ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Formulas that pair it with heavy occlusive oils or waxes might raise overall comedogenicity, but the surfactant itself remains low risk.
Summary
Sodium Lauroyl/Myristoyl Aspartate cleanses skin and hair while offering a mild conditioning feel. It does this by combining oil-grabbing fatty acid tails with a water-loving amino acid head so oil, dirt and buildup can lift away in a soft lather that respects the skin barrier.
Although not as famous as sulfates or cocamidopropyl betaine, this amino acid-based surfactant has gained steady popularity in gentle face washes, micellar waters and sulfate-free shampoos, especially in products marketed for sensitive skin.
Current research and widespread use show it to be low in irritation potential, vegan friendly and largely non-comedogenic. As with any new cosmetic ingredient, doing a quick patch test with a finished product is wise to rule out personal sensitivity before full use.