An anionic alkyl sulfate surfactant with a C14 chain.
What it is
Sodium myristyl sulfate is sodium tetradecyl sulfate, the sodium salt of the sulfate ester of myristyl alcohol (C14). CosIng lists it as a cleansing, emulsifying and cleansing surfactant ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as cleansers and shampoos.
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 the source of the myristyl alcohol.
Functions
- Cleansing
- Helping to keep the body surface clean.
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- 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).
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.