DECYLGLUCOSIDE ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a mild nonionic surfactant used to lift oil and soil, build gentle foam, and support cleansing systems in shampoos, face washes, and body washes.
What does DECYLGLUCOSIDE do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a mild nonionic surfactant used to lift oil and soil, build gentle foam, and support cleansing systems in shampoos, face washes, and body washes.
Is DECYLGLUCOSIDE clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well accepted because it has low sensitization potential and no major restricted-list issues. Like most cleansing agents, it can feel drying or sting the eyes at higher use levels or in formulas with poor surfactant balance.
Is DECYLGLUCOSIDE sustainable?
This material is typically made from plant-derived fatty alcohol and glucose, commonly from coconut, palm, corn, or other starch and sugar sources. It is readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability caveat being traceability of tropical oil feedstocks.
Is DECYLGLUCOSIDE COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when the feedstocks and processing meet standard requirements. Its renewable sourcing potential, biodegradability, and water-based formulation fit well with Green Chemistry principles.
How does DECYLGLUCOSIDE work chemically?
The molecule combines a C10 fatty chain with glucose units through a glycosidic linkage, giving it oil affinity at one end and strong water compatibility at the other. It is commonly used around 1 to 10% active surfactant in rinse-off formulas, is broadly stable across about pH 3 to 12, and is often paired with amphoteric surfactants to soften skin feel and improve foam quality.
Last updated 2026-05-13