Lauryl Glucoside, 200 g

Lauryl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant of plant origin that cleans, foams, and helps incorporate oily components into water-based preparations. It is produced from the fatty alcohol of coconut and palm oil and from glucose derived from maize or wheat. It belongs to the group of alkyl polyglucosides, surfactants used in sulfate-free cleansing products.

It is suitable for rinse-off and leave-on products and, according to manufacturer data, is appropriate for children's and sensitive skin. It remains functional over a wide pH range, which is why it is used in shower gels, liquid soaps, intimate hygiene products, and household cleaners. The ingredient holds certifications from ECOCERT, NATRUE Approved, and COSMOS Approved, is readily biodegradable, and contains no sulfates, PEG, ethylene oxide, preservatives, or silicones.

Key properties

• Cleansing and foam – as a surfactant, it loosens dirt and grease from the skin and hair while helping to create foam in shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps.
• Solubiliser – with an HLB value of 13, it helps incorporate small amounts of oils, essential oils, or fragrance compositions into water-based preparations without separation.
• Co-emulsifier – in emulsions, it complements the primary emulsifier and supports system stability.
• Non-ionic character – compatible with anionic, amphoteric, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants, with electrolytes, and with acidic, neutral, and alkaline pH.
• Plant origin – an ingredient with a fully renewable carbon content, free of animal-derived components, GMO-free, and free of fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation.

Use in formulation

Lauryl glucoside is added to the water phase, or alternatively incorporated afterwards into the finished base. The recommended dosage is 5 – 30 % depending on whether it forms the main cleansing base or merely supplements other surfactants. In shampoos and shower gels, it is typically combined with an anionic and an amphoteric surfactant to adjust the foam, viscosity, and skin compatibility of the finished product. In products for children or intimate hygiene, it can form a substantial part of the surfactant base.

It is processed at temperatures up to 80 °C. In a cold process, it is blended directly into the water; when heating the water phase, it is added together with the other water-soluble components. As a solubiliser, it is first mixed with the oil or fragrance composition, and only this mixture is then added to the water with continuous stirring. The finished formulation can have a pH in the range of 5 – 12, covering acidic shampoos, neutral gels, and alkaline liquid soaps and household cleaners.

Suitable for products such as

• Shower and bath preparations – shower gels, bath foams, body wash gels.
• Children's cosmetics – wash gels and shampoos for children, where a surfactant suitable for sensitive skin is required.
• Intimate hygiene – cleansing emulsions and gels.
• Facial care – cleansing gels, facial foams, and cleansing milks, where it acts as a co-emulsifier and solubiliser.
• Liquid soaps and shampoos – for hands, body, hair, and scalp.
• Household cleaners – dishwashing products and all-purpose cleaners, benefiting from its compatibility with alkaline pH and easy biodegradability.

Good to know

The concentrated ingredient is classified under CLP regulations and carries the pictograms GHS05 (corrosive) and GHS07 (irritant). This applies to the undiluted surfactant handled during manufacturing.

The product contains no preservatives, so water-based formulations with lauryl glucoside require their own preservation system. It is only partially soluble in alcohol, so it is suitable for preparations with a high content of ethanol only after verifying clarity and stability.

Unlike anionic surfactants such as Sodium Coco-Sulfate, lauryl glucoside carries no electric charge. It is therefore also compatible with cationic surfactants, which cannot always be combined with anionic surfactants. We recommend verifying the exact behaviour in a specific surfactant combination in a trial batch.

Frequently asked questions