Myristyl Glucoside

Myristyl glucoside is a nonionic alkyl polyglucoside surfactant/emulsifier typically used at low-to-moderate levels in cleansers and emulsions, where it is generally well tolerated compared with harsher anionic surfactants. However, as a cleansing surfactant it can still contribute to barrier lipid disruption and cumulative irritation, especially in eczema-prone or highly reactive skin and in rinse-off products used frequently. Patch-test and clinical experience place it in the generally low-irritant category, but not inert, so a gentle-risk score is appropriate. Safety Notes: Myristyl glucoside is used in consumer skincare primarily as a nonionic alkyl polyglucoside surfactant/solubilizer and mild emulsifying/co-surfactant, with low-end use around 0.1–0.5% in leave-on creams/lotions and micellar/cleansing waters to aid solubilization and sensorial feel. In rinse-off facial/body cleansers and shampoo-type washes it is commonly used at ~1–5% as part of the primary surfactant system, and high-strength consumer “minimal ingredient” cleanser concentrates can reach ~8–10% when it serves as a major/primary surfactant. There is no specific EU/FDA maximum for this ingredient; practical upper limits are driven by viscosity, clarity, foam/mildness balance, and irritation potential in leave-on formats.