• Enhances foam and cleansing properties in surfactant systems
• Acts as a thickener and co-emulsifier in lotions and creams
• Provides emollient feel and softness to skin and hair
• Ideal for soap bars, shaving creams, and face cleansers
• Plant-derived and safe for rinse-off and leave-on products

Myristic Acid – Foaming Agent & Texture Enhancer for Soaps and Creams

Myristic Acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid (C14) derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. It is widely used in cleansing formulations such as soap bars, facial cleansers, and shaving foams, where it contributes to rich, stable foam and improved cleansing. It also serves as a co-emulsifier and texture enhancer in creams and lotions, helping to thicken and stabilize the emulsion. Myristic Acid offers a smooth, emollient finish and is gentle enough for use on both skin and scalp.

INCI Name: Myristic Acid

CAS Number: 544-63-8

Solubility: Oil-soluble

Add Phase: Oil phase (heated)

pH Stability: Stable across wide pH range

Processing Temperature: 60–80°C

Appearance: White powder or flakes

Odor: Mild fatty odor

Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₈O₂

Molecular Weight: 228.37 g/mol

Flash Point: > 200°C

Density: ~0.86 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Saturated fatty acid

Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Soaps, shaving creams, cleansing bars, emulsions

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
• Phase: Add to oil phase and heat to melt
• Ideal For: Cream Cleansers, Soap Bars, Shaving Foams, Lotions

🧼 When making soap, blend Myristic Acid with Lauric Acid and Stearic Acid for a well-balanced bar that’s hard, bubbly, and cleansing. In creams, pair with emulsifying wax for thick, rich textures without greasiness.

✔️ Suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin

✔️ Non-irritating in rinse-off products

✔️ May be too rich for acne-prone skin in high concentrations

1. Shaving Cream (Rich Lather)

Use 3–5% Myristic Acid in emulsions with stearic acid and potassium hydroxide for creamy foam.

2. Cream Facial Cleanser

Blend 2–3% with emulsifiers for a soft, non-stripping cleanser.

3. Solid Soap Bar

Incorporate up to 20% in cold or hot process recipes for firm texture and fluffy lather.

4. Scalp Treatment Lotion

Use 1% in hair serums to increase conditioning without greasiness.

5. Lightweight Moisturizer

Use 1–2% with cetearyl alcohol to thicken without heaviness.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too thick for water-light formulations.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds richness and texture.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not applicable for watery products.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Useful in cream-based masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Improves cleansing and lather.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds slip and conditioning.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Sometimes used in balm formulas.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use only in low amounts for texture.



Shampoos
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Not common but can enrich surfactant blends.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Boosts foam and hardness in cold-process soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds body and smoothness.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Used to modify spreadability.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds slip and improves firmness.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – May support barrier effect in healing balms.

Q1: Is Myristic Acid natural?

A1: Yes — it’s derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.

Q2: Is it comedogenic?

A2: In low amounts, it is safe and non-comedogenic for most skin types.

Q3: Can I use it in cold process soap?

A3: Absolutely — it improves both foam and hardness.

Q4: Is it vegan?

A4: Yes — when sourced from plant oils, like Bio Shop™'s variant.

Q5: What’s the difference between Myristic and Stearic Acid?

A5: Myristic (C14) gives more foam; Stearic (C18) offers better hardness and glide.