Common Name(s): Myreth-2,peg-2 myristyl ether,peg-2 tetradecanol ether

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water form a stable emulsion, especially in rich creams and butters.

Why It's Used: Low-hlb (~5) emulsifier for w/o systems or oil-rich o/w formulas.

How It Works: 2 eo units give hlb ~5; c14 myristyl chain; used in w/o emulsions as primary emulsifier or o/w co-emulsifier.

Typically Found In: Rich creams,w/o emulsions,body butters,oil-rich moisturizers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Emollient,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Myristyl alcohol from coconut/palm; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Fatty alcohols,emollients,high-hlb emulsifiers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Low-eo myristyl ethers (myreth-2,-3) provide hlb in the 5–6.5 range, suitable for w/o emulsification; myreth-2 is comparable to span 60 in hlb position.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cir safety assessment fatty alcohol ethoxylates