Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

SODIUM MYRISTOYL ISETHIONATE.

Valuable CAS 37747-10-7 / ANTISTATIC, CLEANSING, FOAMING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Sodium Myristoyl Isethionate is a gentle, water-soluble anionic surfactant engineered for effective cleansing and rich foaming. It efficiently emulsifies oils and dirt, enabling their removal from skin and hair, while offering a mild profile suitable for various skin types.

Summary

Cleansing Surfactant Foaming Antistatic

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions primarily as a surfactant by reducing the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the mixing of oil and water phases. This action is crucial for emulsifying and washing away impurities from the skin and hair. Beyond cleansing, it acts as a robust foaming agent, contributing to a luxurious lather, and exhibits antistatic properties that can enhance hair manageability and appearance.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1–50%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Evaluated as safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 50%, based on extrapolation from Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, a closely related isethionate salt.
  2. 02 Determined safe for use in leave-on cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 17%, extrapolated from Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.
  3. 03 Demonstrated no skin sensitizing potential in an LLNA test when evaluated at 10%, 25%, and 50% (tested on Sodium Isethionate, a grouped isethionate salt).
  4. 04 A 5% concentration of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in a citrate buffer, when applied for 48 hours, produced visual erythema in 42% of volunteers, suggesting potential for mild irritation depending on precise formulation and exposure conditions.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Myristoyl Isethionate is a functional cleansing and foaming agent typically incorporated at percentages well above 'dusting' levels to achieve its intended surfactant activity within a formulation.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

For liquid hydrous formulations, maintaining a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0 is critical to ensure stability, as hydrolysis and subsequent breakdown can occur below a pH of 6.0. It exhibits robust compatibility with anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants, and maintains efficacy with high tolerance to hard water, preventing soap scum formation.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants
  • Non-ionic surfactants
  • Amphoteric surfactants

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
50%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that isethionate salts, including Sodium Myristoyl Isethionate, are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. This assessment is based on a read-across approach from comprehensive data on other grouped isethionate salts, notably Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (with established limits of 50% in rinse-off and 17% in leave-on products) and Sodium Isethionate (confirmed non-sensitizer). While generally regarded as mild, a specific study on a related isethionate at 5% indicated mild irritation potential in some individuals, highlighting the importance of formulation context.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Myristoyl Isethionate is a valuable cleansing surfactant for precise skincare formulations, offering effective yet gentle action across all skin types when formulated within its established pH and concentration parameters.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…