Myristic Acid
meer-IS-tik ASS-id
What Is Myristic Acid?
A saturated fatty acid naturally found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and nutmeg butter. It functions as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and opacifier in hair products.
Source: Coconut oil, palm kernel oil, nutmeg butter
Origin: Natural
Also known as: Tetradecanoic Acid
What Does Myristic Acid Do to Your Hair?
Acts as a cleansing agent when saponified (combined with a base like sodium hydroxide). Also functions as an emulsifier and thickener in conditioners. Creates the pearly, opaque appearance in many cream products.
Best For
Oily hair (in cleansers), all hair types (in conditioners)
Not Recommended For
Dry hair (in cleansing products), fine hair (in heavy conditioners)
Concentration Matters
1-5% in products
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Very safe with extensive use in food and cosmetics. Non-toxic, non-irritating. A common naturally occurring fatty acid. Slightly more cleansing than stearic acid when used in soap-based products.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA classifies as GRAS for food. Widely permitted in cosmetics.
EWG Score: 1/10
HairAide Verdict
A simple, safe fatty acid that performs basic structural and cleansing functions in hair products. Found naturally in coconut oil. No concerns whatsoever.
Products That Contain Myristic Acid
Cream shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, soap bars, hair treatments
Alternatives to Myristic Acid
If you want to avoid Myristic Acid, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Myristic Acid has a safety rating of 8/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Very safe with extensive use in food and cosmetics. Non-toxic, non-irritating. A common naturally occurring fatty acid. Slightly more cleansing than stearic acid when used in soap-based products.
Myristic Acid is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Myristic Acid is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Myristic Acid include: Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid
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