Decyl Glucoside

INCI Name: Decyl Glucoside
Chemical Type: Non-ionic surfactant
Origin: Plant-derived
Typical Active Matter: 50–55% 
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellowish, viscous liquid
Odour: Characteristic, mild

Decyl Glucoside is a mild, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant made from renewable raw materials, typically glucose and fatty alcohols derived from coconut and/or other vegetable sources. It is widely used in natural, gentle and sulfate-free personal-care formulations because of its excellent cleansing properties and skin-friendly profile.

It produces a soft, creamy and stable foam while effectively removing dirt, excess oil and impurities from the skin and hair. Due to its mild nature, Decyl Glucoside is particularly suitable for products formulated for sensitive, dry or delicate skin.

It can be used as a primary or secondary surfactant in a wide range of cleansing products and is especially useful in formulations where a sulfate-free and naturally derived cleansing system is desired.

Key Benefits

• Mild and gentle cleansing action
• Plant-derived and readily biodegradable
• Non-ionic surfactant
• Suitable for sulfate-free formulations
• Provides good foaming and cleansing
• Produces a soft, pleasant foam
• Suitable for sensitive and delicate skin formulations
• Can improve the mildness of an overall surfactant system
• Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients
• Suitable for both skin and hair cleansing products
• Works well in combination with amphoteric and anionic surfactants

Applications

Decyl Glucoside can be used in:

• Face Wash
• Facial Cleansers
• Body Wash
• Shower Gel
• Hand Wash
• Baby Cleansers
• Shampoo
• Mild Shampoo
• Sulfate-Free Shampoo
• Intimate Cleansing Products
• Foaming Cleansers
• Micellar and cleansing formulations
• Natural and eco-conscious personal-care products

Recommended Usage

Typical usage levels are approximately 5–30%, depending on the type of formulation, desired cleansing strength and the active matter of the supplied grade.

For mild cleansing products, it is commonly combined with other surfactants such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate or other glucoside-based surfactants to achieve the desired foam, viscosity and mildness.

Formulation Considerations

Decyl Glucoside is generally supplied as an alkaline raw material, so the pH of the finished formulation may need to be adjusted depending on the other ingredients used.

When formulating, it is important to consider:

• Final product pH
• Total active surfactant matter
• Compatibility with other surfactants
• Desired viscosity
• Foam profile
• Preservative system
• Electrolyte sensitivity

Decyl Glucoside can sometimes be challenging to thicken on its own. Combining it with suitable amphoteric surfactants and using an appropriate viscosity-building system can help achieve the desired consistency.

How to Use

Decyl Glucoside can be added during the surfactant phase of the formulation. Add slowly with gentle mixing to minimise excessive aeration and foam formation.

For a clear or transparent cleansing product, the order of addition, mixing speed, pH adjustment and the compatibility of other raw materials should be carefully controlled.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Avoid contamination by using clean and dry equipment when dispensing the product.

Why Choose Decyl Glucoside?

Decyl Glucoside is an excellent choice for formulators looking to develop mild, sulfate-free and plant-derived cleansing products. Its combination of gentle cleansing, good foaming performance and broad formulation compatibility makes it a popular surfactant for modern natural and sensitive-skin personal-care products.