Undecylenoyl Glycine

What is Undecylenoyl Glycine?

Undecylenoyl glycine is a synthetic lipoamino acid ingredient formed by linking the amino acid glycine with undecylenic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid obtained from castor oil. This structure gives it amphiphilic properties, allowing it to act as an effective surfactant in rinse-off cosmetics like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It works by lowering surface tension between water, oils, and dirt, facilitating the formation of micelles that lift away impurities without harsh stripping. Additionally, its conditioning role stems from the amino acid component, which helps reduce friction on hair strands, improving texture during use. Commonly found in formulations seeking balanced cleansing and mildness, it supports stable emulsions and contributes to product foam quality.

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:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
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

Provides gentle cleansing by effectively removing dirt and oils while preserving natural moisture.

Enhances hair manageability and softness by reducing static and friction during washing.

Supports foaming and emulsifying in cleansers for a satisfying user experience.

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 shampoos for everyday hair cleansing and conditioning.
Those with known allergies to amino acid derivatives or castor oil components.
Users of body washes preferring non-drying surfactants.
Users experiencing irritation from similar mild surfactants.
People with normal skin or hair looking for balanced cleansing formulas.
Individuals preferring completely anhydrous or soap-free products.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG, indicating minimal concerns for use in cosmetics.
  • Generally recognized as safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Undecylenoyl Glycine

What is undecylenoyl glycine used for?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing, emulsifying, and hair conditioning in shampoos and body washes.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It has a low hazard rating and is considered mild for most users in rinse-off products.

Does it clog pores?

Rated 0 for comedogenicity, making it suitable for non-pore-clogging formulas.