Decyl Glucoside

What is it?

A sugar-derived, non-ionic surfactant valued for its mildness, commonly used in gentle cleansers, baby products and micellar formulas.

What does it do?

According to PubMed, a 2025 study developing a sustainable shampoo formulation used decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside (both alkyl polyglucosides) as the surfactant base, finding the resulting formulation had a significantly lower zein number -- a standard marker of surfactant-driven protein denaturation and skin-irritation potential -- compared to a reference shampoo, supporting alkyl polyglucosides' reputation as milder surfactants than conventional alternatives (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183817).

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Sources

Application of Alkyl Polyglucosides as Components of the Extraction Medium in the Preparation of a Shampoo Cosmetic Formulation Containing Substances Isolated from Red Grape Pomace

Important disclaimer

This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.