What Is Sodium Myreth Sulfate?
Sodium myreth sulfate is a synthetic surfactant made by attaching an average of one to four units of ethylene oxide to a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil, then sulfonating the chain and neutralizing it with sodium. The result is a water-soluble salt that carries both water-loving and oil-loving parts, letting it interact with dirt and oils so they can be rinsed away. First introduced in the late 1960s as a milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate, it quickly became popular in personal care because the added ethylene oxide units soften its cleansing action and lower the chance of irritation.
Commercial production begins with natural fatty alcohols, usually myristyl alcohol, which are reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The ethoxylated alcohol then undergoes a sulfonation step, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The finished surfactant is dried or kept in solution depending on the form needed by manufacturers.
You will most often find sodium myreth sulfate in face and body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, shower gels, toothpastes, liquid hand soaps and a growing number of gentle makeup removers. It may also appear in exfoliating scrubs and clay masks where foam can enhance the user experience.
Sodium Myreth Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves several roles that improve how a product looks, feels and performs on skin and hair:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant structure lifts oil, sweat and environmental grime so they rinse away easily, leaving skin and hair fresh without a heavy residue.
- Foaming: It builds a rich, stable lather that consumers associate with thorough cleaning, helping spread the product evenly and making rinsing feel satisfying.
- Emulsifying: It helps keep water and oil components evenly mixed, preventing separation in formulas like creamy cleansers or scrub pastes and ensuring consistent texture throughout a product’s shelf life.
Who Can Use Sodium Myreth Sulfate
Most skin and hair types tolerate sodium myreth sulfate well because its ethoxylated structure makes it gentler than many other sulfates. Normal, oily and combination skin usually benefit from its thorough yet mild cleansing. People with very dry, highly sensitive or eczema-prone skin may still find it a bit stripping if used in high concentrations or left on for long periods, so they may prefer creamier sulfate-free options.
The ingredient is typically sourced from plant-derived fatty alcohols and the remaining components are synthetic, so finished products containing it are generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If the rest of the formula is free of animal by-products the overall product meets vegan standards.
No research suggests that topical use of sodium myreth sulfate poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider.
Sodium myreth sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no known impact on photosensitivity. It is also non-volatile, fragrance-free and compatible with most common cosmetic ingredients, which helps minimize unexpected reactions when blended into multi-actives cleansers and shampoos.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to sodium myreth sulfate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Dryness or tightness overcleansing can strip natural oils leading to a dry feel especially on mature or already dehydrated skin
- Mild irritation or redness occasional stinging or flushing may occur on very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Eye irritation contact with eyes can cause transient burning or watering similar to most surfactants
- Contact dermatitis rare allergic reactions may present as itching rash or small bumps
- Color fading in dyed hair regular use in high-foaming shampoos may gradually lift artificial pigments
If any irritation or discomfort develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 — Sodium myreth sulfate is highly water soluble and typically used in rinse-off products, so it spends little time on the skin and is quickly removed before it can clog pores. Its molecular structure is large and polar which keeps it from settling into follicles. For these reasons it is considered very low on the comedogenic scale.
Because of this low rating most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing sodium myreth sulfate without added concern.
One extra point: comedogenicity testing is usually done on leave-on ingredients. Since sodium myreth sulfate is almost always in cleansers the practical risk of pore blockage is even lower than its lab rating suggests.
Summary
Sodium myreth sulfate is valued for three main jobs: it cleans by surrounding oil and dirt so they rinse away with water, it creates a dense foam that makes washing feel more effective and it keeps oil and water evenly blended so formulas stay smooth from the first pump to the last. These abilities come from its amphiphilic structure that forms micelles, tiny spheres that trap grime while the water loving end stays in the rinse water.
Once launched as a gentler option to classic sulfates it quickly became a staple in shampoos, face washes and body washes. Although the recent sulfate-free trend has nudged some brands toward alternatives it remains widespread thanks to its reliable performance and budget-friendly cost.
Current research and decades of consumer use show it is generally safe for healthy skin and hair with irritation risks limited to very sensitive users or overly high concentrations. As with any new product it is wise to do a small patch test first so you can spot any unexpected reactions before applying it more broadly.