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.StrengthsDecyl 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.
Recommended starter amount
250mL (8fl oz) or less
Where to Buy it
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier.
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