Decyl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant that is used as a foaming, cleansing, conditioning, or emulsifying agent. It can be used as a base surfactant or a co-surfactant in cleansers. It has excellent foaming capacity and good dermatological compatibility. It can be used alongside other glucosides to enhance the foam and skin conditioning properties. It can also be used in ionic formulations to add foam depth and emulsifying properties.
Origin
Decyl glucoside is an ingredient derived from plant-derived substances made from fats, sugars, and alcohols commonly found in corn sugars, coconuts, and palm oils. Chemically, it is an alkyl glucoside made from a glucose reaction from the corn starch with fatty alcohol. Decyl glucoside is also known as decyl alcohol as it is found in palm oils and coconuts.
Safety Profile of DECYL GLUCOSIDE
Comparable to the other alkyl polyglucoside surfactants, decyl glucoside is obtained from 100% renewable vegetable origin. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed the safety of 19 alkyl glucosides including decyl glucoside as used in cosmetics and concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated, and are non-irritating. Since glucoside hydrolases in human skin are likely to break down these ingredients to release their respective fatty acids and glucose, the Panel also reviewed CIR reports on the safety of fatty alcohols and were able to extrapolate data from those previous reports to support safety. Decyl glucoside is a gentle cleanser delicate enough even for the delicate, sensitive skin. It’s considered mild, low toxicity, and eco-friendly, making it a great option to minimize the environmental footprint.