SODIUM MYRISTOYL SARCOSINATE (Sodium myristoyl sarcosinate)

An anionic surfactant derived from sarcosine, used in cleansing products.

What it is

Sodium myristoyl sarcosinate is the sodium salt of the amide of myristic acid and sarcosine (N-methylglycine). CosIng lists it as an antistatic, cleansing, foaming, hair-conditioning, surfactant and viscosity-controlling ingredient.

Where it is used

Found in facial cleansers, shampoos, shower gels and toothpastes.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The INCI name does not reveal whether the fatty acid is of plant or synthetic origin.

Functions

Antistatic

Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Foaming

Traping numerous small bubbles of air or other gas within a small volume of liquid by modifying the surface tension of the liquid.

Hair conditioning

Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

SODIUM MYRISTOYL SARCOSINATE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (16)