| What is it? | Decyl Glucoside is a gentle non-ionic surfactant made from coconut oil and sugar. |
| INCI | Decyl Glucoside |
| Appearance | Semi-viscous yellowish liquid |
| Usage rate | The CIR has not noted a maximum usage rate. Let the desired total active surfactant matter of your end product be your guide. |
| Texture | Slippery, detergenty |
| Scent | Characteristically detergent-y |
| Active Surfactant Matter | 51% |
| pH | 11–12 |
| Charge | Non-ionic |
| Solubility | Water |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Decyl glucoside can be a good primary or secondary surfactant, contributing foaming/cleansing to an end product. It has a really rich, dense lather that is lovely in our formulations. |
| Do you need it? | No |
| Refined or unrefined? | Decyl Glucoside only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Decyl Glucoside is a relatively easy to source “natural” surfactant with lovely lather. |
| Weaknesses | It has a fairly high pH and isn’t a great solubilizer; I tend to choose Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside over the other glucosides. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | I tend to prefer Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside in any recipe that calls for decyl glucoside, though the lather of Decyl Glucoside is richer + thicker, so I might blend Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside to get some of the solubilizing powers of Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and the lather of Decyl Glucoside. |
| How to Work with It | Include it in the water phase of your formulations; it can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Decyl Glucoside should last at least two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Realize Beauty has a great article on glucosides that’s worth a read! |
| Recommended starter amount | 250mL (8fl oz) or less |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier. |
Want to compare different surfactants?
Check out my super useful surfactants table!
