DEA-Myristate
AKA “Diethanolamine myristate, Myristic acid, diethanolamine salt, EINECS 258-531-0, 4987W69B4I, RefChem:585243, DEA-MYRISTATE [INCI], 53404-39-0, UNII-4987W69B4I, SCHEMBL3262221
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
DEA-Myristate
AKA: Diethanolamine myristate, Myristic acid, Diethanolamine salt, EINECS 258-531-0, 4987W69B4I, RefChem:585243, DEA-MYRISTATE [INCI], 53404-39-0, UNII-4987W69B4I, SCHEMBL3262221
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium myristate
Formula
C18H39NO4
Mol. Weight
333.50
CAS #
53404-39-0
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant and emulsifier derived from myristic acid, developed in the 20th century. Engineered for use in cosmetic formulations to improve product stability and texture.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Myristic acid reduces skin inflammation and nociception.
Alonso-Castro AJ, Serrano-Vega R, Pérez Gutiérrez S, Isiordia-Espinoza MA, Solorio-Alvarado CR
Journal of food biochemistry, 2022
Final Report of the Amended Safety Assessment of Myristic Acid and its Salts and Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Methyl Myristic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Myristic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Myristic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR