Decyl Glucoside

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 decyl 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.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides are safe in cosmetics 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.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Alkyl glucoside chemistry is well documented.

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.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Alkyl glucosides are among the mildest surfactants, but they were named the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s Allergen of the Year in 2017, with decyl and lauryl glucoside the most common culprits. People with a history of dermatitis should patch test.

Citations:

• • Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis: A systematic review. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
    • What it shows: Review of alkyl glucoside allergy.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Supported. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

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.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported. Surfactant research ranks alkyl glucosides among the milder cleansing agents for the skin barrier.

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 technology.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process soap.

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.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Backed by a CIR safety conclusion.

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.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Allergy. Uncommon but documented.
  • Alkaline as supplied. Must be pH-adjusted.
  • Thin. Needs a thickener or co-surfactant.
  • Cost. Higher than sulfates.

Citations:

• • Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis: A systematic review. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
    • What it shows: Allergy.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • If you are allergic to alkyl glucosides (such as decyl, lauryl, or coco-glucoside), avoid this product.
  • Rinse cleansers off thoroughly. Avoid getting cleansers in the eyes; if contact occurs, rinse with water.
  • 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:

• • Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis: A systematic review. Dermatitis, 28(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000240
    • What it shows: Allergy.

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.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap line: This ingredient is not used in cold-process soap. Syndet, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner bars that contain it are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Loranger, C., Alfalah, M., Ferrier Le Bouedec, M. C., & Sasseville, D. (2017). Alkyl glucosides in contact dermatitis: A systematic review. 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