Decyl Glucoside
Also known as Decyl glucoside, n-Decyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, APG 100
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel assessed decyl glucoside alongside 18 other alkyl glucosides and concluded they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating (IJT 32(S3):22-48, 2013; PMID 24174472). Post-market clinical evidence consistently documents decyl glucoside as a sensitizing allergen: it is an established contact allergen, included in the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard panel since 2009, and has been identified as a hidden allergen in Tinosorb M sunscreen (PMID 31566773). A 2024 surveillance study confirmed decyl glucoside and lauryl glucoside remain among the most commonly encountered alkyl glucosides in rinse-off products marketed to sensitive skin (PMID 38575135), reinforcing the SQ qualification that irritation and sensitization avoidance is the operative safety condition.
Mild nonionic surfactant derived from renewable plant sources (coconut oil and glucose); considered a natural-origin alternative to sulfate-based and ethoxylated surfactants
Biodegradable and compatible with a wide pH range; well-tolerated at typical use concentrations in non-sensitized individuals
Effective cleansing and foaming agent in rinse-off formulations; commonly used as co-surfactant to reduce irritation from harsher anionic surfactants
- · Established contact allergen — decyl glucoside is a recognized sensitizer included in standard patch test series; allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in multiple case series
- · Hidden allergen in sunscreen vehicle Tinosorb M; reactions attributed to the UV filter may trace to decyl glucoside sensitization
- · Concomitant cross-reactions with other alkyl glucosides (lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside) are common; sensitization to one predicts sensitization risk to others
- · Found frequently in hypoallergenic and sensitive-skin products despite known sensitization potential
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Decyl Glucoside row: Finding=SQ, Citation=IJT 32 (S3): 22-48, 2013
“Decyl Glucoside | SQ | safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating | IJT 32 (S3): 22-48, 2013”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 41