Lauryl Glucoside

Benefits
Cleansing

What is Lauryl Glucoside?

Lauryl Glucoside belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside family of non-ionic surfactants, created by combining lauryl alcohol—typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil—with glucose derived from corn starch or other plant starches. This results in a biodegradable compound with a structure that mimics natural lipids, making it compatible with skin's barrier. In cosmetics, it appears mainly in rinse-off products like facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and baby care items. Functionally, it reduces water's surface tension to mix with oils and dirt, forming micelles that encapsulate impurities for easy rinsing. Its mild foaming action supports effective cleaning without harshness, and it stabilizes emulsions in formulations. Due to its gentle profile, it often features in products for delicate skin areas or no-foam micellar waters.

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:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by lifting dirt and oils without disrupting skin barrier.

Produces soft, creamy foam suitable for daily use in washes and shampoos.

Enhances product texture as a stabilizer in gentle, natural-leaning formulas.

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 with sensitive or reactive skin seeking mild cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to coconut-derived fatty alcohols.
Parents looking for baby shampoos and washes.
People sensitive to glucose or corn starch components.
People preferring plant-based ingredients in personal care routines.
Individuals experiencing irritation from polyglucoside surfactants, though uncommon.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as low hazard with excellent skin compatibility in safety assessments.
  • Minimal eye and skin irritation potential based on standardized testing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lauryl Glucoside

What is Lauryl Glucoside made from?

It combines lauryl alcohol from coconut or palm sources with glucose from plant starches like corn.

Is Lauryl Glucoside suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild nature makes it a common choice in products for delicate or sensitive skin types.

Does Lauryl Glucoside clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, indicating low risk of pore blockage.