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 lauryl 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: Lauryl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic, sugar-based surfactant made from coconut- or palm-derived lauryl alcohol and glucose. In ORY® products, it gives cleansers and shampoos creamy foam and body. |
Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that lauryl 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.
- 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: Lauryl glucoside is made by combining lauryl (C12–C16) alcohol with glucose. It is supplied as an alkaline paste (pH 11–12) that must be pH-adjusted. Its longer chain gives thicker, creamier foam than decyl glucoside. |
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.
- 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: Lauryl glucoside suits all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. |
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.
- 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
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, lauryl glucoside is used in sulfate-free shampoos and co-washes. |
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.
- 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
5. Benefits
Claim: Lauryl glucoside cleanses gently with creamy foam and helps thicken sulfate-free formulas. |
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.
- 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: Lauryl glucoside is used in ORY® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics cleansers, and in liquid soaps and syndet and shampoo bars. |
Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–20% (as supplied) | Creamy facial cleansers, body washes, and cleansing milks. |
| Haircare | 10–25% | Sulfate-free shampoos, 2-in-1s, co-washes, and shampoo bars. |
| Handmade Soap line | 10–30% | Liquid soaps and syndet and shampoo bars (not cold-process soap). |
| Cosmetics | 2–10% | Creamy makeup-removing cleansers 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: Mild, thickening, and natural-origin, with a CIR safety conclusion. |
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.
- 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: Lauryl glucoside can rarely cause allergy, foams less than decyl glucoside, and needs pH adjustment. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Allergy. Uncommon but documented; one of the most common glucoside allergens.
- Less foam. Often paired with decyl glucoside or CAPB.
- Alkaline as supplied. Must be pH-adjusted.
- Paste form. Needs warming to handle.
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
- 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
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
