Sodium Myreth Sulfate is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant derived from myristyl alcohol (C14 fatty alcohol) with an average of three moles of ethylene oxide. It is then sulfated and neutralized to form the sodium salt. It provides excellent foaming, cleansing power, and mildness compared to traditional alkyl sulfates like SLS. This clear to pale yellow viscous liquid is commonly used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, and sulfate-containing syndet bars. It delivers rich, stable lather with good rinseability and a gentle skin feel.
Products with SODIUM MYRETH SULFATE
With samples available
Sulfochem™ ME-60 surfactant
by Lubrizol
TEXAPON® K 14 S SPEC 70%
by BASF
TEXAPON® K 14 S Special
by BASF
What is SODIUM MYRETH SULFATE used for?
- Surfactant / Cleansing: Removes dirt, oil, and impurities with dense, creamy foam. Frequently used in shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and bubble baths for effective yet relatively mild cleansing.
- Foam booster: Enhances and stabilizes lather even in hard water. Common in sulfate-based systems to achieve luxurious, long-lasting foam.
- Emulsifying / Viscosity controlling: Helps stabilize emulsions and contributes to product thickness. Ideal in creamy cleansers and body washes for improved texture and stability.
Origin
Sodium Myreth Sulfate is produced synthetically in multiple steps:
- Myristyl alcohol (from coconut or palm kernel oil) is ethoxylated with ethylene oxide to form myreth-3.
- The ethoxylate is sulfated (using SO₃ or chlorosulfonic acid).
- The resulting acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide to give the sodium salt.
The fatty alcohol base is renewable (vegetable-derived), while the ethoxylation and sulfation steps are petrochemical/industrial. It is supplied as a 60-70 % aqueous solution for easy handling.
What does SODIUM MYRETH SULFATE do in a formulation?
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
FOAMING|
SURFACTANT|
FOAM BOOSTINGSafety Profile
Sodium Myreth Sulfate is considered safe for cosmetic use per CIR Expert Panel assessments of alkyl ether sulfates (safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating). It has a moderate EWG hazard rating (3-5) due to potential for skin irritation at high concentrations and possible 1,4-dioxane contamination from ethoxylation (though minimized in purified grades). It is milder than SLS/SLES due to the ethoxylation and shorter chain length, with lower irritation potential in rinse-off products. Typical use levels are 5-20 %. Approved by EU COSING with no specific concentration limits for rinse-off products. It is well-tolerated but avoid in very sensitive or damaged skin. Patch testing advised for susceptible individuals.
SODIUM MYRETH SULFATE alternatives
SODIUM MYRETH SULFATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | >100°C |
| Melting Point | <0°C |
| pH | 6.0-9.0 |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Viscosity | Medium to high |
Formulations with SODIUM MYRETH SULFATE
No data available
By Application
No data available