What is it? | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a liquid non-ionic surfactant made from vegetable derived fatty acids and glucose. I often refer to it as C/C Glucoside since it’s shorter! |
INCI | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside |
Appearance | A viscous, pale yellow liquid. |
Usage rate | up to 40% |
Scent | Characteristically soapy/detergent-y. |
Active Surfactant Matter | 60% |
pH | 5.5–6 |
Charge | Non-ionic |
Solubility | Water |
Why do we use it in formulations? | It is gentle and contributes great lather to body washes, hand washes, face washes, and anything else liquidy that we want to add bubbles to!
It’s also a good solubilizer—much better than many other surfactants. This means we can incorporate essential and fragrance oils into products like hand washes without the need for another solubilizer, like Polysorbate 20. |
Do you need it? | If you’re only going to buy one liquid, non-ionic surfactant, I’d recommend this one. |
Strengths | Good lather + solubilizing. |
Weaknesses | Harder to find than coco glucoside. |
Alternatives & Substitutions | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is quite unique as it is often used as both a surfactant and a solubilizer, so you’ll need to replace both functions.
The alternative I typically suggest is coco glucoside for the cleansing/lathering with added polysorbate 20 and/or polysorbate 80 to solubilize whatever the Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside was solubilizing. You’ll also need to lower the pH of your final product if you use coco glucoside as it has a much higher pH than Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside. |
How to Work with It | Since it is liquid it can be used in cold-processed recipes, but it can be heated in the heated water phase if needed. Avoid vigorous stirring/agitation so you don’t work up too much lather. |
Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside should last for two years. |
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is the only acidic non-ionic surfactant I’ve managed to find. |
Recommended starter amount | 250mL (8fl oz) |
Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
Want to compare different surfactants?
Check out my super useful surfactants table! Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside also appears in my solubilizers table since it does both jobs.
Some Formulations that Use Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
- All-Natural Perky Peppermint Shampoo
- Aloe Mint Hand Wash
- Gentle Clay Facial Cleansing Bar
- French Green Clay Sulphate-Free Shampoo Bar
- Soothing Creamy Facial Cleanser
- Solid Dishwashing Brick
- Silk & Shine Shampoo
- Foaming Aromatherapy Bath Concentrate
- Hand Wash for Lots of Handwashing
- Rosé Conditioning Hair Foam
- Pemberley Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Even Better Makeup Brush Cleanser
- Christmas Tree Body Wash
- Christmas Tree Foaming Hand Wash
- Citrus Burst Hand Wash
- Foaming Shaving Cream
- Lemon Rose Foaming Hand Wash
- Lemon Rose Facial Cleansing Drops
- Aloe Rosemary Spruce Foaming Hand Wash
- Lavender Gel Facial Cleanser