Decyl Glucoside
Decyl glucoside is popularly used as a cleansing agent in many skincare and hair products. It is made from the extracts of glucose and palm or coconut kernel. The hydrating properties of this compound are being explored by many brands in the skincare industry. Additionally, decyl glucoside uses in cosmetics are noteworthy. Why it is used and what are its properties will be a matter of discussion in the article below.
Scientific name: D-Glucopyranoside
Formula (Chemical composition): C16H32O6
Decyl glucoside uses & benefits
Decyl glucoside in skin care and hair care has magnificent benefits. The usefulness of its distinct properties is elaborated below.
Decyl glucoside for skin
- As decyl glucoside is a surfactant, it attracts impurities and removes them from the skin surface when used with water.
- It is a safe choice to use decyl glucoside for skin which is sensitive in nature. It is a skin-friendly substance that cleanses sensitive skin without any toxic reaction.
- The compound is also used in anti-ageing skincare ranges for its property of deep penetration. Decyl glucoside for skin effectively decreases fine lines and wrinkles by hydrating through all the layers of skin. It keeps feeding the skin with hydration which diminishes the appearance of fine lines.
- Decyl glucoside in cosmetics is an effective emulsion stabiliser. In the cosmetic industry, many products have an amalgamation of oils and water solutions. As we know oil and water are immiscible, decyl glucoside helps in doing so. It homogenises such blends and makes them usable on the skin.
- The generous capacity of hydration makes decyl glucoside uses in cosmetics more effective. It increases the longevity of the makeup without making it cakey.
- Decyl glucoside in skin care is used for its mildness on the skin. Hence, it is extensively used in medicated soaps and face washes.
Decyl glucoside for hair
- Being a mild surfactant, decyl glucoside shampoo and other hair products are chosen by people over harsher variants. Decyl glucoside is a natural surfactant unlike synthetically produced sodium salts like sodium lauryl sulphate. The sodium salts are harsh on our skin. They eliminate the natural oil of our skin in addition to the impurities like bacteria and dirt. This makes the skin dry and banishes moisture.
- Besides its use as a surfactant, it also helps in rejuvenating the scalp health over time. Hence, decyl glucoside shampoo formulation is used for making organic hair cleansers.
- Unlike chemical surfactants, it does not cause irritation on the scalp. It manages to maintain the pH of the scalp and keep the natural conditions intact.
- The decyl glucoside shampoo formulation has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent dandruff. It also controls excess sebum secretion on the scalp enabling proper nutrition flow.
- Being sourced from natural substances, decyl glucoside shampoo does not contain ethylene oxide. The chemical is a byproduct produced during manufacturing chemical surfactants like sodium lauryl sulphate. It is toxic to the skin and causes rashes in many cases.
- Decyl glucoside products have a small percentage of the compound (1-5%). It is only required in limited amounts for cleansing which makes it a cost-effective surfactant.
How to apply/use
The application of decyl glucoside products requires knowledge of their dosage and ways of administration. Below are the techniques you can use to optimally savour its benefits.
Decyl glucoside for skin
- Decyl glucoside cleansers are mild on the skin. So, using them multiple times on the face does not have any harsh effects. However, if you have dry skin, restrict usage to twice a day. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you can use it thrice a day depending on your skin and environmental conditions.
- Take a small amount of the cleanser and gently massage over damp skin. Continue this process for a minute or two. Rinse off the product with normal water. Tap dry the face and do not rub.
- Decyl glucoside in cosmetics is found in low concentrations. Hence, keeping makeup long on the face won’t impact your skin negatively.
Decyl glucoside for hair
- Decyl glucoside shampoos for hair can be used daily.
- The usage of these shampoos is similar to the other shampoo ranges.
- Wet your hair completely and then apply the shampoo in quantities enough to be spread entirely on the hair and scalp. Rinse it with normal to lukewarm water until you see no lather coming out along with the water.
Side effects of Decyl Glucoside
The natural surfactant decyl glucoside does not have many side effects but it can cause the following in certain conditions.
- In very few cases, it is seen that individuals have hypersensitivity to using decyl glucoside products. It is recommended to stop using these products when such problems occur.
- Overusing decyl glucoside products can cause extreme dryness of the skin and scalp. Restrict using the compound to the recommended dosages.
Precautions while using Decyl Glucoside
Some precautions may help you to avoid the potential side effects that can surface by using decyl glucoside.
- While using a decyl glucoside based face wash, avoid contact with the eyes. It can cause irritation and redness along with an itching sensation.
- If you have any skin disorder, apply decyl glucoside only after consulting a physician.
- Always use decyl glucoside according to the dosages recommended to avoid a dry scalp and skin.
FAQs on Decyl Glucoside
No, it is safe to use decyl glucoside on your skin provided you do not have an allergy to the compound. It is mild on your skin and acts as a good surfactant to remove impurities from deep within.
Yes, it is used in organic hair and skincare products to eliminate the harsh effect of chemically synthesised sodium salt surfactants. It is gentle on the skin and the possibility of any rashes and irritation occurring due to it is meagre.
Decyl glucoside shampoo formula is a derivative of surfactant whose origin is natural. It is made in the laboratories after processing palm or coconut kernels. So, it is enriched with some of their benefits like moisturising and germicidal properties.
Even though decyl glucoside is a mild ingredient, it is better to use in a formulation of soap or shampoo. It won’t be as enriching a product solely as when it is found in a multi-ingredient formulation.
Yes, decyl glucoside is vegan as it is a compound sourced primarily from plants. Besides, it has no molecules obtained from any animals. Also, no animals are harmed in the process of testing this compound.
On the oily scalp, decyl glucoside can be used twice daily. It, in fact, improves the condition of the scalp and reduces the chances of dandruff recurrence. Further, balancing out the natural oils of the scalp is a key property of this surfactant.