MYRISTYL GLUCOSIDE
Myristyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from plant sources such as sugar and fatty acids from coconut oil. This compound is mainly used in cosmetic and personal care products for its cleansing and foaming properties, while being particularly respectful of the skin. Thanks to its gentleness, myristyl glucoside is suitable for sensitive skin and natural formulations, where it acts as an effective, non-irritating cleansing agent.



MYRISTYL GLUCOSIDE
EXCIPIENT ⎪ SURFACTANT
What is myristyl glucoside?
Myristyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from plant sources such as sugar and fatty acids from coconut oil. This compound is mainly used in cosmetic and personal care products for its cleansing and foaming properties, while being particularly respectful of the skin. Thanks to its gentleness, myristyl glucoside is suitable for sensitive skin and natural formulations, where it acts as an effective, non-irritating cleansing agent. It is commonly incorporated into baby care products and cleansers, shower gels and shampoos, providing a gentler alternative to conventional surfactants.
Myristyl glucoside is a cleaning agent which helps keep skin clean.
Where does myristyl glucoside come from?
Myristyl glucoside is obtained by a synthesis process using natural ingredients: fatty acids from coconut oil and glucose, generally derived from corn or sugar cane. This process respects eco-responsible manufacturing standards, because it uses renewable and plant-based raw materials. The combination of sugar and fatty acid makes myristyl glucoside soft and biodegradable, perfect for natural formulations. Thanks to its plant origin and its low environmental impact, it is particularly appreciated in natural and certified organic cosmetic products.
Properties and active ingredients
Myristyl glucoside has several beneficial properties for skin and hair, while being an environmentally friendly cleansing agent. Here are its main characteristics and actions:
- Gentle cleanser : It removes impurities and excess sebum without irritating the skin, ideal for sensitive or delicate skin.
- Foaming agent : It generates a light and pleasant foam, contributing to a gentle sensory experience without attacking the skin barrier.
- Emulsifier : It stabilizes emulsions, allowing oils and water to be mixed in formulations, ensuring a homogeneous texture.
- Biodegradable : Of natural origin, it is environmentally friendly and degrades quickly, making it an eco-responsible choice.
- Soothing effect : Thanks to its gentleness, it reduces the risk of irritation and can be used daily, even on sensitive skin or fine hair.
What are the benefits of myristyl glucoside?
Myristyl glucoside offers many benefits for skin and hair, thanks to its gentle and soothing cleansing properties. Here are the main benefits of this natural and versatile ingredient:
- Gentle cleaning : It cleanses effectively without disturbing the skin's hydrolipidic film, perfect for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness.
- Pleasant foaming : Its ability to produce a light foam ensures pleasant cleansing while respecting the balance of the skin.
- Protection of the skin barrier : Unlike some aggressive surfactants, it maintains hydration and leaves the skin soft, without a feeling of tightness.
- Respect for the environment : Thanks to its biodegradability, it constitutes a choice option for those looking for eco-responsible care products.
- Suitable for delicate hair : In hair care, it gently cleanses without weighing down the hair, ideal for fine hair or sensitive scalp.
How to consume myristyl glucoside?
Myristyl glucoside is mainly used topically in skincare products for its gentle cleansing and foaming properties. Here are the main ways to benefit from this ingredient:
- Facial cleansers : Integrated into cleansing gels or facial foams, it ensures gentle and effective cleansing for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
- Shower gels and liquid soaps : In shower gels, it provides a light and pleasant foam, gently cleansing without drying the skin.
- Shampoos for fine and delicate hair : In shampoo, myristyl glucoside cleans the hair without weighing it down, ideal for sensitive scalps or dry hair.
- Baby products : Thanks to its great softness, it is often included in baby products, such as shampoos and shower gels, where it cleans the skin and hair without irritation.
- Makeup removers and products for reactive skin : Due to its gentleness, myristyl glucoside is perfect for sensitive and reactive skin, including in makeup removal products.
Note : Myristyl glucoside is well tolerated by the majority of skin types, but as with any ingredient, a skin test is recommended for very sensitive skin. Due to its biodegradability, it is also compatible with an eco-responsible lifestyle.
Any side effects?
Myristyl glucoside is generally well tolerated, but some adverse effects may occur, although rare:
- Skin sensitivity : Although very gentle, it can cause slight irritation in some people, especially with excessive use or on very reactive skin.
- Tingling eyes : Like any cleaning agent, it may cause slight stinging if in contact with the eyes. It is recommended to avoid direct contact with eyes.
- Feeling of tightness : For extremely dry skin, it may, in rare cases, leave a feeling of slight dryness. Pair it with moisturizer if needed.
- Interactions with other surfactants : Myristyl glucoside is best used in combination with other mild surfactants, as it can lose effectiveness when mixed with harsher surfactants.
- Risk of reduced foam in concentrated formulations : In very high concentrations it may form less foam, so it is best to use it in balanced formulas to maximize its effect.
Sources
The benefits of myristyl glucoside are well documented in cosmetic research, where it is recognized for its gentle and environmentally friendly cleansing properties. This ingredient is appreciated for its ability to eliminate impurities without attacking the skin barrier, which makes it particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Its use in organic and natural products is reinforced by its ecological and biodegradable profile. Studies show its effectiveness as a mild surfactant, ideal for daily use.
