Common Name(s): Myreth-3,peg-3 myristyl ether,peg-3 tetradecanol ether

CAS Number: 27306-79-2

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend in creams and provides a smooth, conditioning feel on skin.

Why It's Used: Hlb ~6.5 suitable for o/w co-emulsification and w/o primary emulsification in combination with high-hlb partners.

How It Works: 3 eo units give hlb ~6.5; c14 myristyl chain; provides emolliency and mild emulsification.

Typically Found In: Creams,o/w emulsions,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

Myreth-3 hlb ~6.5 fills the gap between very low hlb (myreth-2, ~5) and moderate hlb (myreth-5, ~8-9); c14 chain length is slightly longer than cetyl, providing different crystallization behavior.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary