Alkyl Glucoside

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Surfactant and emulsifying agent
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Shampoos, hair conditioners, shower gels, deodorants, moisturizers, sunscreens

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALKYL GLUCOSIDE?

Alkyl Glucosides serve as mild surfactants, meaning they help to cleanse and emulsify substances while being gentle on the skin. They are derived from natural sources, such as glucose and fatty alcohols, making them especially beneficial for patients with sensitive skin. Alkyl glucosides can effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair without removing many of the body’s natural oils, therefore reducing potential dryness or irritation.

WHAT IS ALKYL GLUCOSIDE?

Alky Glucosides are a group of surfactants derived from the reaction of glucose (sugar) with alcohols. The specific alcohol group used in the reaction can vary in length and branching, resulting in different alkyl glucosides with different properties. The most common forms of alkyl glucoside are decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside, which have 10 and 12 carbon atoms in the alcohol chain, respectively. Alkyl glucosides are used in cosmetic formulations for their ability to improve the texture of products, enhance foam formation and stabilize emulsions. They are biodegradable due to their origin in naturally-occurring compounds, and are also considered environmentally friendly.

IS ALKYL GLUCOSIDE SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Alkyl Glucosides are generally considered safe for all skin types and tones. They are mild and non-irritating, making them suitable for sensitive and diverse skin types. However, rates of allergic reactions to decyl glucoside have increased slightly in recent years. (Decyl glucoside is the prototype alkyl glucoside often used in patch testing). Therefore, alkyl glucoside was named as the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year in 2017. Decyl glucoside was also found to be a “hidden” allergen in the sunscreen ingredient Tinosorb M, which may be the cause of allergic contact dermatitis reported to this compound. Allergic reactions are generally more common in patients with existing skin barrier issues such as eczema.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are no specific contraindications associated with alkyl glucosides in cosmetic products. However, individuals with known allergies to these compounds should exercise caution and consult with a dermatologist if they experience any adverse reactions.

Sources:
  1. Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler D, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013 Sep-Oct;32(5 Suppl):22S-48S.
  2. Boozalis E, Patel S. Allergen of the Year alkyl glucoside is an ingredient in top-selling sunscreens and facial moisturizers. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Apr;78(4):809-810.
  3. Alfalah M, Loranger C, Sasseville D. Alkyl Glucosides. Dermatitis. 2017 Jan/Feb;28(1):3-4.
  4. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. “Safety Assessment of Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics.” International Journal of Toxicology, vol. 30, no. 3, 2011, pp. 5S-53S, http://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/decylg122011FRx.pdf. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.
  5. Sasseville, D. “Alkyl Glucosides: A New Class of Emulsifiers for Topical Formulations.” The Dermatologist, vol. 28, no. 2, 2020, https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/thederm/content/alkyl-glucosides. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.

Aamir Hussain, MD, MAPP

Author

Dr. Aamir Hussain is a dermatologist currently practicing adult and pediatric dermatology in Northern Virginia. He serves on the health policy committee of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and has a clinical interest in patch testing. Dr. Hussain is an internationally-recognized speaker, writer and educator. His writings on health policy, medical education and the connections between healthcare and faith have been featured in prestigious media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Hill, and The Baltimore Sun. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is the author of several book chapters. He has presented research at major conferences, including the American Academy of Dermatology, World Congress of Dermatology, Society of Pediatric Dermatology, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Society of Dermatopathology, Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.