Decyl glucoside
Decyl glucoside is a nonionic alkyl polyglucoside surfactant made by reacting glucose (from corn or other starch) with fatty alcohols, mainly C8-16 alcohols from coconut or palm kernel oil. It is used as a primary or co-surfactant in sulfate-free shampoos, washes and baby cleansers. Brands buy it as a viscous, roughly 50 to 55% aqueous solution, which is alkaline as supplied.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Aqueous solution in drums or totes, alkaline (around pH 11 to 12) and pH-adjusted in the finished formula.
Supplied with a preservative or self-preserving at high pH; check what is present before adding to a formula.
Grades approved for natural and organic cosmetic standards, from coconut or certified palm sources.
Pre-mixed bases with other glucosides or amphoteric surfactants, sold under trade names.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store decyl glucoside closed at 5 to 40 °C; it can thicken or crystallize when cold and is warmed and mixed before use. Keep containers sealed to prevent microbial contamination once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of color, pH and micro for older stock.
Color, active content and alkyl chain distribution differ between suppliers, so record them for each lot and check finished-product color when switching lots. Rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists decyl D-glucoside (common name decyl glucoside, CAS 54549-25-6) with non-medicinal purposes of emulsion stabilizer and cleansing surfactant.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same database entry restricts it to topical use, up to 33% in rinse-off and 2% in leave-on products when formulated to be non-irritating, citing CIR.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Navi Mumbai, India
Indian producer of surfactants and specialty care ingredients, including sulfates, mild amino-acid and glucoside surfactants, emollient esters and UV filters for personal and home care.
Manufacturer · Englewood, CO
US specialty chemicals company whose personal care unit makes surfactants, emollient esters and silicones for shampoos, cleansers and skin care, alongside fuel and industrial chemistries.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standard solution (about 50 to 55% active), preserved or unpreserved, cOSMOS / Ecocert approved and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect active matter, free fatty alcohol, pH, color and appearance and microbiology and preservative, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store decyl glucoside closed at 5 to 40 °C; it can thicken or crystallize when cold and is warmed and mixed before use. Keep containers sealed to prevent microbial contamination once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of color, pH and micro for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists decyl D-glucoside (common name decyl glucoside, CAS 54549-25-6) with non-medicinal purposes of emulsion stabilizer and cleansing surfactant. The same database entry restricts it to topical use, up to 33% in rinse-off and 2% in leave-on products when formulated to be non-irritating, citing CIR.
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