C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside

What is C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside?

C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside family, created by combining glucose from plant sources like corn starch with fatty alcohols featuring 10 to 16 carbon chains, typically sourced from coconut or palm. This results in a biodegradable, non-ionic surfactant with a structure mimicking natural phospholipids. Primarily found in foaming cleansers, shampoos, body washes, and emulsion-based products like creams, it works by reducing surface tension to lift dirt and oils while forming micelles that trap impurities. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes oil-water mixtures, preventing separation and ensuring uniform product texture. Its mild profile stems from its balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic nature, making it suitable for rinse-off and leave-on formulations without harshness.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Benefits

Delivers effective yet gentle cleansing by lowering surface tension to remove impurities.

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, consistent textures in creams and lotions.

Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores in skincare routines.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking mild surfactants in daily cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to glucose or fatty alcohol derivatives.
Users preferring plant-derived ingredients in personal care products.
Individuals sensitive to plant-based surfactants in high concentrations.
People formulating or using emulsion-based moisturizers and washes.
People experiencing irritation from similar mild cleansers.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory bodies like CIR.
  • Low hazard rating with minimal skin sensitization potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside

What makes C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside mild?

Its non-ionic structure from glucose and fatty alcohols provides gentle surface tension reduction without harshness.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it has low irritation potential based on cosmetic safety assessments.

Does it clog pores?

No, it carries a comedogenic rating of 0, making it pore-friendly.