Common Name(s): Lithium myristate,lithium tetradecanoate,lithium salt of myristic acid
CAS Number: 20336-96-3
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps remove oil and dirt from skin and creates lather in cleansing products.
Why It's Used: Lithium myristate provides a more transparent, less sticky soap-like texture than sodium or potassium soaps, often preferred in premium and specialty cleansers.
How It Works: The carboxylate head (anionic) and c14 fatty tail form micelles that trap dirt and oil for easy rinsing; the lithium counterion gives a softer, less alkaline character than sodium soap.
Typically Found In: Facial cleansers,shaving preparations,luxury bar soaps,specialty cleansers
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – surfactant
Secondary Functions: Cleansing,emulsifying,lather boosting
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Synthesized from myristic acid (from palm or coconut oil) with lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate; semi-synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low; milder than sodium myristate
Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate (myristic acid base)
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated. slightly lower ph disruption than sodium soaps. not recommended for very dry or compromised skin at high concentrations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional – use at low concentrations
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Amphoteric surfactants,glycerin,fatty alcohols,other fatty acid salts
Avoid Combining With: Strong acids (will convert back to free myristic acid and phase-separate)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Lithium soaps have a notably lower krafft point (~10–15°c) than sodium soaps, making them suitable for liquid cleansers at room temperature without gelling. c14 chain provides good foam density and skin feel.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,chemicalbook 20336-96-3