Decyl Glucoside

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.

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Some Formulations that Use Decyl Glucoside

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Posted on

September 2, 2020