What Is Tea-Laurate/Myristate?
Tea-Laurate/Myristate is the triethanolamine salt created from a blend of lauric and myristic fatty acids, two naturally occurring fats most often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. By reacting these fatty acids with triethanolamine, chemists form a water-soluble compound that behaves as a gentle surfactant. The ingredient began appearing in personal care formulas in the mid-1900s when formulators sought milder alternatives to harsh soaps. Production is straightforward: purified lauric and myristic acids are neutralized with triethanolamine under controlled heat, then cooled and milled into a fine powder or viscous liquid ready for use. Because it mixes well with both oil and water, Tea-Laurate/Myristate shows up in a broad range of products such as facial cleansers, body washes, foaming shampoos, shaving creams, makeup removers, lightweight lotions and even some clay or cream masks where a stable, creamy texture is needed.
Tea-Laurate/Myristate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional ingredient improves both the performance and feel of many everyday beauty products.
- Cleansing: Works as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while producing a soft, creamy foam. Its gentle action helps leave skin and hair feeling fresh without the tight, stripped sensation linked to stronger detergents
- Emulsifying: Keeps oil and water blended so creams, lotions and washes stay smooth and uniform from the first use to the last drop. A stable emulsion also boosts the spreadability of a formula, letting it glide easily across skin or hair
Who Can Use Tea-Laurate/Myristate
The gentle nature of this surfactant makes it a good fit for most skin types, including normal, oily and combination complexions. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well, though people with very dry or eczema-prone skin may want to watch for any extra tightness because any cleanser can remove needed lipids if overused. Tea-Laurate/Myristate is sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, so when those plant origins are confirmed the ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It contains no animal by-products and is not tested on animals by most reputable suppliers.
No studies suggest that Tea-Laurate/Myristate poses a special risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a doctor first, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with common actives such as retinoids or vitamin C. It is also fragrance-free and dye-free by itself, which helps limit potential triggers in minimalist formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Tea-Laurate/Myristate differ from person to person. The following are possible side effects only; most users experience none of these when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness, especially with frequent washing
- Transient stinging or redness on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual allergy to triethanolamine or fatty acid salts
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased transepidermal water loss if used in overly high concentrations or combined with other strong surfactants
If any discomfort, redness or itching occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Although lauric and myristic acids on their own can clog pores, converting them into a fully water-soluble triethanolamine salt makes Tea-Laurate/Myristate rinse away easily without leaving an oily film that might trap dead cells or sebum. Formulas that use it are usually wash-off products, which further lowers any pore-clogging risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
As with any surfactant, pairing it with heavy plant oils or butters in the same formula could raise the overall comedogenic potential, so check the full ingredient list if you are highly sensitive.
Summary
Tea-Laurate/Myristate acts as a mild cleanser and reliable emulsifier. Its surfactant head bonds with water while its fatty tail grabs onto oil and dirt, letting the two rinse away together. In creams and lotions the same dual nature keeps oil and water mixed so the texture stays smooth.
The ingredient is not a headline star like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide but it quietly appears in many everyday cleansers, shaving foams and lightweight lotions because it does its job without fuss, harshness or a heavy feel.
Overall safety data show low irritation and little to no comedogenicity when used at standard levels. That said, every skin is unique, so do a small patch test when you try any new product containing Tea-Laurate/Myristate just to be cautious.