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Moumoujus

MYRISTOYL SARCOSINE.

Valuable CAS 52558-73-3 / ANTISTATIC, CLEANSING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Myristoyl Sarcosine is a mild, modified fatty acid derivative serving as an effective surfactant and foam booster. It facilitates gentle yet thorough cleansing by emulsifying oils and impurities, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated without stripping essential moisture.

Summary

Cleansing Foam Boosting Surfactant Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating as a surfactant, Myristoyl Sarcosine efficiently blends oil and water to allow for the effective removal of dirt and impurities from the skin and hair. It also actively contributes to foam generation and stability in cosmetic formulations. As a unique modified fatty acid, it not only cleanses gently but can also enhance the dermal penetration of other active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤5%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Found to be safe and non-irritating/non-sensitizing in leave-on products at 5% concentration, which was the highest concentration tested in clinical irritation and sensitization studies.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water (specifically the sodium salt form; the acid form has very low water solubility, estimated at 0.5655 mg/L at 25 °C)
Optimal pH 5.5 – 6.5
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal foam stability and performance are observed within a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 for sarcosinate surfactants. Related sarcosinates demonstrate broader stability between pH 5 and 9. The computed pH for Myristoyl Sarcosine (acid form) is 5.6.

Conflicts

  • Ingredients known to form N-nitroso compounds (due to the potential creation of N-nitrososarcosine, a known animal carcinogen)
  • Ingredients whose safety profile relies on minimal dermal absorption (due to Myristoyl Sarcosine's capacity to enhance penetration of other substances)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Myristoyl Sarcosine is safe for use in rinse-off products and may be safely used in leave-on products at concentrations up to 5%. A critical restriction is that this ingredient must not be used in cosmetic products where N-nitroso compounds may be formed, as sarcosine can be nitrosated to N-nitrososarcosine, a known animal carcinogen.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Myristoyl Sarcosine is a valuable, mild surfactant and foam booster, suitable for all skin types due to its low irritancy, provided it is formulated carefully to avoid N-nitroso compound formation.

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