What Is Sodium Myristyl Aspartate?
Sodium Myristyl Aspartate is an organic compound created by joining myristic acid, a fatty acid often taken from coconut or palm kernel oil, with the amino acid aspartic acid then neutralizing the blend with sodium. The result is a mild surfactant that loves both oil and water, which makes it great at lifting away grime. Chemists began exploring fatty acid and amino acid combinations in the late twentieth century while looking for cleansers that would be gentle on skin yet still effective. Sodium Myristyl Aspartate emerged from this work and quickly found a home in personal care labs thanks to its skin friendly profile and plant based roots. Production involves reacting purified myristic acid with aspartic acid under controlled heat, adding sodium to form a salt, then refining the material into a fine powder or liquid concentrate ready for formulators. You can spot it on ingredient lists for facial cleansers, micellar waters, cream cleansers, gentle body washes and some foaming masks, where it helps products rinse clean without leaving skin tight or dry.
Sodium Myristyl Aspartate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays one main role in skincare formulas.
Cleansing: As a mild surfactant Sodium Myristyl Aspartate loosens oil, makeup and everyday dirt so they can be washed away with water. Because it is derived from both a fatty acid and an amino acid it is less likely to strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping formulas leave skin feeling soft and comfortable after use.
Who Can Use Sodium Myristyl Aspartate
Sodium Myristyl Aspartate suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin thanks to its mild cleansing nature and low risk of barrier disruption. People with very reactive skin may still want to keep an eye on how their skin feels, mainly because any surfactant can cause tightness if overused.
The ingredient is generally considered vegan and vegetarian friendly because the myristic acid used in cosmetics is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil rather than animal fats. Ethical shoppers can confirm plant sourcing by checking with the brand or looking for a certified vegan logo on packaging.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face extra risks when using Sodium Myristyl Aspartate topically. This compound is not absorbed in meaningful amounts and has no links to hormonal or developmental concerns, yet this is not medical advice. Expectant and nursing mothers should show any skincare product they plan to use to their healthcare provider just to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It can be paired with daytime products, though broad spectrum sunscreen is still essential for daily protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Sodium Myristyl Aspartate differ from person to person. The points below cover potential issues, though most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient has been formulated correctly in a finished product.
- Transient dryness: Overwashing or leaving a cleanser on the face too long can occasionally leave skin feeling a bit tight or dry
- Mild irritation or redness: Very sensitive skin may react to any surfactant with temporary flushing, tingling or mild stinging
- Eye discomfort: If a formula gets into the eyes it can cause brief stinging or watering, especially in high foaming cleansers
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Rare but possible for individuals allergic to fatty acids or amino acid derivatives, leading to itching or rash
If you experience any of these issues stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Sodium Myristyl Aspartate is a water-soluble surfactant that rinses off cleanly without leaving oily residues that could clog pores. Its molecular structure favors quick removal with water and it is typically used at low concentrations in rinse-off products, so buildup inside pores is unlikely. This makes the ingredient generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Formulas that combine it with heavy oils or butters could raise the overall comedogenicity of the finished product, but on its own the risk is minimal.
Summary
Sodium Myristyl Aspartate serves chiefly as a mild cleanser, breaking the surface tension between oil and water so dirt, sebum and makeup lift away easily. Its fatty acid tail binds to grime while its amino acid head mixes with water, allowing debris to be rinsed off without stripping the skin barrier.
The ingredient is not a household name like sulfates or coco-glucoside, but formulators appreciate its gentle nature and plant-based origin so it appears in niche facial cleansers and some sensitive skin lines.
Safety studies and decades of use show a very low risk of irritation or toxicity when used as directed. While most users will never have an issue it is still wise to patch test any new product to rule out personal sensitivities.