Coco Glucoside, 100 ml

Coco Glucoside

Coco Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant of plant origin for cleansing the skin and hair. It is used as a primary or secondary cleansing surfactant in shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps and intimate hygiene products. It belongs to the alkyl polyglucosides and is created by combining plant-based fatty alcohols with glucose.

In a formulation it foams, cleanses and softens the action of harsher anionic surfactants. That is why it often appears in children's cosmetics and in products for sensitive skin. The raw material is readily biodegradable and carries the RSPO Mass Balance certification.

Key benefits

• Gentle cleansing – as a non-ionic surfactant it disrupts the skin barrier less than common sulphate surfactants and does not leave the skin feeling tight after washing.
• Dense, creamy foam – it foams well on its own, and in combination with anionic or amphoteric surfactants it stabilises and softens the foam.
• Broad compatibility – it is compatible with anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants and tolerates electrolytes. It can therefore be incorporated into most rinse-off systems.
• Stability in alkaline conditions – it does not hydrolyse at higher pH, so it can also be used in liquid soaps with a soap base.
• Free of sulphates, PEG and ethylene oxide – suitable for formulations declared as "SLS/SLES free" or with a high proportion of ingredients of natural origin.

Use in a formulation

Coco Glucoside belongs to the water phase. It dissolves in water and in glycols, but not in oil. It is added cold or with gentle heating, up to a maximum of 60 °C. At lower temperatures it tends to crystallise. This is not a defect; simply heat the container evenly to below 60 °C and stir the contents until homogeneous again. Always mix the raw material thoroughly before weighing.

The concentrate is strongly alkaline, with a pH of around 11 – 12.5. After adding it to a formulation, the pH should be adjusted with citric or lactic acid to the target value of the product. The cloudiness of the concentrate is caused by the high pH and the presence of magnesium oxide from production. Once the pH is adjusted into the neutral range it disappears and has no effect on function. The recommended pH range of the finished formulation is 5 – 12; it is not suitable for strongly acidic products.

Thickening is more challenging with alkyl polyglucosides than with sulphate systems. Salt alone increases viscosity only slightly. A combination with an amphoteric surfactant (Cocamidopropyl Betaine), the addition of Glyceryl Oleate or a gelling agent such as xanthan gum or hydroxypropyl guar works better. Test the thickening on a small sample before transferring it to the whole batch.

An HLB value of 11 – 12 also allows the solubilisation of small amounts of essential oils or fragrance compositions in toners and cleansing waters. In this it complements the main solubiliser rather than replacing it.

Suitable for products such as

• Shampoos and shower gels – the main surfactant in sulphate-free formulations or a softening ingredient alongside anionic surfactants.
• Children's cosmetics and intimate hygiene – low irritation potential and good tolerance by sensitive skin.
• Liquid soaps and hand soaps – stability at alkaline pH allows combination with a soap base.
• Facial cleansing gels and foams – creamy foam without a feeling of tight skin.

Good to know

The raw material comes from European production, contains no ingredients of animal origin and has not been tested on animals. Finished water-based formulations always require a preservative; Coco Glucoside has no preservative effect.

The non-ionic character becomes apparent when adding cationic conditioning ingredients (Polyquaternium-7, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride). They are more compatible with Coco Glucoside than in purely anionic systems, which is useful in 2-in-1 shampoos.

Frequently asked questions