TEA-Myristate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Triethanolamine myristate, 41669-40-3, Caswell No. 887C, Myristic acid, Triethanolamine salt, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 079044, AEC TEA-MYRISTATE
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
tris(2-Hydroxyethyl)ammonium myristate
Effective at 20.0%
Formula
C20H43NO5
Mol. Weight
377.60
CAS #
41669-40-3
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the 20th century by combining triethanolamine with myristic acid (derived from palm and coconut oils). Used in cosmetics for cleansing and emulsifying properties.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0009%
40.0%
0%56%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 3-14 | 0.0009-40
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR