Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Decylglucosides Chloride

What is Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Decylglucosides Chloride?

Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Decylglucosides Chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound featuring stearyl chains linked to hydroxypropyl decylglucosides, with chloride as the counterion. It originates from glucose-derived glucosides, often sourced from renewable plants like corn or coconut, and fatty alcohols from vegetable oils, making it a semi-synthetic ingredient. Primarily used in rinse-off hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners, it also appears in gentle facial cleansers. Functioning as a cationic surfactant, its positive charge binds to negatively charged hair cuticles and skin proteins, depositing a smoothing layer for detangling and softness. It reduces surface tension for micelle formation during cleansing, lifts away residues mildly, and acts as an emulsifier by stabilizing oil-in-water mixtures for creamy textures. The glucoside moiety contributes to its milder profile versus conventional quaternaries.

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:

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

Benefits

Supports gentle removal of dirt and excess oils while preserving moisture.

Enhances product stability for smooth, even textures in creams and cleansers.

Promotes softness and smoothness on skin and hair surfaces.

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 cleansers for daily hair or face washing.
Those with known sensitivities to quaternary ammonium compounds.
Users with normal to dry skin preferring conditioning surfactants.
Individuals experiencing irritation from similar cationic ingredients.
People looking for emulsifiers in lightweight lotion formulations.
Users of products where high-foaming anionic surfactants are preferred.

Safety Notes

  • Rated as low concern for overall safety in cosmetic use.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl Decylglucosides Chloride

What products commonly contain this ingredient?

Found in shampoos, conditioners, and mild facial cleansers for its multifunctional properties.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Its low hazard rating and mild nature make it appropriate for many sensitive skin routines.

Does it cause breakouts?

Rated non-comedogenic, so it generally does not contribute to pore clogging.