At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about coco-glucoside. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Coco-glucoside is a mild, sugar-based, non-ionic cleanser made from coconut fatty alcohols and glucose. In ORY® products, it cleanses gently with a soft lather. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that alkyl glucosides, including coco-glucoside, are safe when formulated to be non-irritating.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of alkyl glucosides.
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
2. Composition and Production
Claim: It is made by joining coconut-derived C8–C16 fatty alcohols to corn glucose and is supplied as an alkaline solution that is adjusted to pH 5–6. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in the CIR report.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Coco-glucoside suits all skin types, including sensitive skin. |
Verification: Supported. Mild surfactants disrupt the skin barrier less than harsh ones such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
Citations:
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- What it shows: Review of mild cleansing.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12469
- What it shows: Review of cleansers.
- Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
- What it shows: Review of alkyl glucoside allergy.
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, coco-glucoside cleanses gently in sulfate-free shampoos and co-washes. |
Verification: Supported. This is a cleansing role; ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
5. Benefits
Claim: Coco-glucoside cleanses gently with a soft lather. |
Verification: Supported. These are cleansing and feel benefits.
Citations:
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- What it shows: Mild cleansing.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12469
- What it shows: Cleansers.
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Coco-glucoside is used in ORY® cleansers across Skincare, Haircare, Cosmetics, and liquid and syndet soap. |
Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–20% | Facial cleansers, body washes, and micellar cleansers. |
| Haircare | 10–25% | Sulfate-free shampoos and co-washes. |
| Handmade Soap line | 10–30% | Liquid soaps and syndet and shampoo bars. |
| Cosmetics | 2–10% | Makeup-removing and brush cleansers. |
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
7. Pros
Claim: A mild, plant-derived cleanser with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review and surfactant science.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
- What it shows: Safety.
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
8. Cons
Claim: Coco-glucoside can occasionally cause allergy and is alkaline as supplied. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Allergy. Uncommon; patch test.
- Alkaline as supplied. Must be adjusted.
- Less foam than sulfates.
- Amber color.
Citations:
- Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
- What it shows: Allergy.
- Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Rinse well; avoid getting cleansers in the eyes.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: Coco-Glucoside is used in liquid soaps and syndet, shampoo, or cleansing bars, which are cosmetics under FDA rules and list all of their ingredients. It is not used in cold-process soap.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12469
- Fiume, M. M., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 22S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497764
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
