What Is Tea-Myristaminopropionate?
Tea-Myristaminopropionate is a compound created by pairing N-tetradecyl-β-alanine, a fatty acid–based amino acid, with triethanolamine, a common pH-balancing agent. When these two meet they form a gentle, water-soluble salt that works well in personal-care formulas.
The ingredient emerged in the late 1970s as chemists looked for milder cleansing and antistatic agents than the harsher soaps used at the time. By combining a coconut-derived fatty chain with an amino acid backbone, they achieved a molecule that cleans, conditions and reduces static in one step. Today it is produced through a straightforward two-stage process: first the fatty acid reacts with β-alanine to create myristaminopropionic acid, then this acid is neutralized with triethanolamine to form Tea-Myristaminopropionate.
You will most often spot it in shampoos, 2-in-1 conditioning cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, facial cleansers, makeup removers and even some cream-to-foam masks. Its multitasking nature makes it handy in products that aim to clean without stripping, add a touch of conditioning and leave hair or skin feeling soft instead of squeaky.
Tea-Myristaminopropionate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double and sometimes triple duty in formulas, giving chemists flexibility while keeping label lists short.
- Antistatic – helps neutralize electrical charges on hair, cutting down on flyaways and frizz so strands look smoother
- Cleansing – lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without the harshness of traditional soaps, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh but not tight
- Foaming – creates a creamy lather that spreads product easily and enhances the sensory experience, which can encourage thorough cleansing
- Hair Conditioning – deposits a light conditioning layer that improves softness and manageability, making detangling easier and reducing breakage during comb-out
Who Can Use Tea-Myristaminopropionate
Because it is a mild surfactant with a touch of conditioning power, Tea-Myristaminopropionate usually suits most skin and hair types, including normal, dry, oily and sensitive. It cleans without stripping natural oils so it is rarely too harsh for delicate or reactive skin. Those with very oily scalps might prefer a deeper cleanser for occasional use, yet the ingredient itself is not known to clog pores or worsen oiliness.
The compound is synthesized from plant-derived fatty acids and petroleum-derived triethanolamine, with no animal inputs, so it is considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Tee-Myristaminopropionate is not photosensitizing, meaning it does not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Tea-Myristaminopropionate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions, though most people will use the ingredient with no problems when it is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation – rare redness or stinging, more likely on very sensitive or broken skin
- Contact allergy – itching, rash or hives in those already allergic to similar surfactants or to triethanolamine
- Eye irritation – temporary burning or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, especially with high concentrations
- Build-up on hair – in very heavy or frequent use it may leave a light film that can weigh fine hair down until thoroughly rinsed
If any unwanted reaction develops stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms do not quickly improve.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – Tea-Myristaminopropionate is considered very low on the pore-clogging scale because it is a water-soluble salt that rinses away cleanly instead of lingering on skin like heavier oils or waxes. Its molecular structure is designed for quick dispersion and removal so it is unlikely to trap sebum or debris inside pores.
Given this low rating it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
The only caveat is that finished products may also contain richer conditioning agents that raise the overall comedogenic load, so always assess the full formula if congestion is a concern.
Summary
Tea-Myristaminopropionate acts as a mild surfactant that cleanses, creates foam, reduces static and deposits a whisper of conditioning. Its fatty chain grabs onto oil and grime while the amino acid section stays friendly with water, letting dirt lift away in the rinse. At the same time the positively charged portions smooth hair cuticles to tame flyaways and boost softness.
It is not a spotlight ingredient like hyaluronic acid or retinol yet formulators rely on it when they want a gentle multi-tasker in everyday shampoos, body washes and cream cleansers. Usage data and decades of consumer experience show it to be safe for most people with only rare irritation or allergy reports. As with any new product a quick patch test is wise so skin can give its verdict before full-on use.