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 sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate (with 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: Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate (SLGC) is a sugar-based, sulfate-free cleanser made from lauryl glucoside. It is supplied blended with lauryl glucoside. In ORY® products, it gives rich foam and gentle cleansing. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. We did not find a Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment specific to sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate. CIR concluded that alkyl glucosides, including lauryl glucoside (the other part of the blend), 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 (covers lauryl glucoside).
- 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: SLGC is made by adding a carboxylate group to lauryl glucoside (from coconut lauryl alcohol and corn glucose). The blend is about 30% active, alkaline as supplied, and adjusted to pH 5–6. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is from supplier data; the lauryl glucoside part is described 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 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
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: SLGC suits all skin types, including sensitive skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Mild surfactants disturb the skin barrier less than harsh ones such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Alkyl glucosides occasionally cause contact allergy, so people with dermatitis-prone skin should patch test. ORY® cleansers are not intended to treat eczema.
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, SLGC gives rich foam in gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. |
Verification: Supported. This is a cleansing role; ORY® shampoos made with it are not dandruff treatments, which are drug products.
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.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- What it shows: FDA dandruff rule.
- 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: SLGC cleanses gently with rich, stable foam and leaves a soft feel. |
Verification: Supported. These are cleansing and feel benefits. Acne claims are drug claims, and ORY® does not make them for cleansers built on SLGC.
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.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: FDA acne rule.
- 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: SLGC 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 | 10–25% (as supplied) | Foaming facial cleansers, body washes, hand washes, and bubble baths. |
| Haircare | 15–30% | Sulfate-free and clarifying shampoos. |
| Handmade Soap line | 15–35% | Liquid soaps and syndet and shampoo bars (not cold-process soap). |
| Cosmetics | 5–15% | Foaming makeup removers 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 of the glucoside class.
- 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 plant-derived, sulfate-free cleanser with rich foam. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Mildness is supported by surfactant science; the blend’s glucoside part has a CIR safety conclusion.
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.
- 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: Glucoside safety.
- 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
8. Cons
Claim: SLGC has fewer independent studies and can occasionally cause allergy. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Newer ingredient. No CIR review of its own; relies on alkyl glucoside data.
- Allergy. Glucosides are an uncommon allergen; patch test.
- Alkaline as supplied. Must be adjusted.
- Limited compatibility with cationic conditioners.
- Cost. Higher than sulfates.
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: Glucoside safety conclusion.
- 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.
- 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.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: SLGC is used in liquid soaps and syndet or shampoo 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 Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- 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
