Decyl Glucoside For Skin Care & Personal Care Product

Decyl Glucoside (CAS 68515-73-1) is a mild, plant-derived nonionic surfactant widely used in skin care and personal care formulations. It is produced by combining glucose (derived from corn starch) with decanol (a fatty alcohol sourced from coconut or palm oil) through a condensation reaction. The result is a biodegradable, non-toxic, and skin-compatible cleansing agent that has rapidly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic ingredients on the global market.

Unlike traditional sulfate-based surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Decyl Glucoside does not strip the skin's natural lipid barrier, making it exceptionally gentle for sensitive skin, baby care formulations, and daily-use products. Its broad pH stability — functional across a pH range of 4 to 10 — and excellent foaming properties have made it an indispensable ingredient in modern cosmetic chemistry.

Chemical Properties & Performance Profile

Chemically, Decyl Glucoside belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) family — a class of surfactants derived entirely from renewable plant sugars and fatty alcohols. Its HLB (Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance) value ranges from 11.5 to 13.5, which classifies it as an effective oil-in-water emulsifier and cleansing surfactant. It produces rich, stable foam even at low concentrations (typically effective at 2–20% in formulations), and is compatible with anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants.

Decyl Glucoside exhibits excellent emulsification and wetting properties. When combined with co-surfactants such as Coco Glucoside or Lauryl Glucoside, synergistic effects further improve cleansing efficiency and skin feel. Its mildness is attributed to the absence of harsh electrophilic groups in its molecular structure, dramatically reducing the risk of skin irritation, redness, or allergic responses.

• Appearance: Pale yellow to colorless liquid or paste (depending on concentration)
• Active Matter: 50–70% in commercial grades
• pH (10% solution): 6.0–8.0
• Biodegradability: >90% within 28 days (OECD 301B)
• Cloud Point: >100°C (highly stable in hot-process formulations)