Decyl Glucoside, 100 ml

Decyl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant from the alkyl polyglucoside group that cleanses and foams in formulations. It is produced from fatty alcohols of coconut and palm kernel oil and from glucose, making it a plant-based ingredient with the palm component carrying RSPO Mass Balance certification. It is used as a primary surfactant or as a co-surfactant in rinse-off products: shower gels, shampoos, liquid soaps, facial and intimate cleansers, and baby cosmetics. The manufacturer classifies it among surfactants with good dermatological tolerability and recommends it especially for gentle and everyday cleansing.

Key properties

• Cleansing with good foamability – produces a voluminous lather that rinses off easily. The manufacturer therefore recommends it both as a primary surfactant and as a co-surfactant in cleansing products.
• Skin compatibility – according to the manufacturer's data, it belongs to mild surfactants suitable for products for sensitive and baby skin as well as intimate hygiene.
• Broad compatibility – compatible with anionic, amphoteric, cationic and other non-ionic surfactants and with electrolytes. Works in acidic, neutral and alkaline environments.
• Origin and biodegradability – renewable carbon content is 100 % and the ingredient is readily biodegradable (OECD 301). The manufacturer states approval for COSMOS, NATRUE, ECOCERT and BDIH standards and the possibility of use in products with EU Ecolabel or Nordic Swan.
• Sulfate- and EO-free – suitable for formulations intended to be free of sulfates and ethoxylated ingredients.

Use in formulation

Decyl glucoside belongs in the water phase. It is water-soluble and is added cold or at mild heat; the recommended processing temperature is below 50 °C. The ingredient may separate during storage, which does not affect its quality. Mix it to a uniform consistency before weighing.

The recommended usage level is 2 – 40 % of the ingredient depending on product type. At the lower end it acts as a co-surfactant alongside an anionic base; at higher levels it forms the main cleansing portion in both sulfate-containing and sulfate-free formulations. Check the viscosity of the finished product in a test batch and adjust as needed with a thickener or a combination of other surfactants.

It contains no preservative itself; the finished aqueous preparation is preserved in the usual way. Verify compatibility with the specific preservation system at the target pH.

Suitable products

• Shower gels and bath foams – primary or supplementary surfactant, foams well even in sulfate-free formulations.
• Shampoos – the manufacturer describes it as a mild surfactant for everyday shampoos; combines well with amphoteric surfactants.
• Facial cleansing gels and foams – its mildness makes it suitable for face cleansing and sensitive skin.
• Baby cleansing products – the manufacturer lists it as a suitable choice for baby concepts.
• Intimate hygiene and liquid hand soaps – products with brief skin contact.
• Household cleaning products – where plant origin and biodegradability are valued.

Good to know

Decyl glucoside is intended for rinse-off products. When replacing part of an anionic surfactant, verify foam and viscosity in a test batch — the behaviour of the blend changes with the surfactant ratio.

At higher usage levels, account for the alkaline pH of the whole blend before adjustment. Add pH-sensitive ingredients according to the instructions for that ingredient, generally only after acidification.

Frequently asked questions