DECYL GLUCOSIDE
What is DECYL GLUCOSIDE (CAS 54549-25-6) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?
DECYL GLUCOSIDE (CAS No. 54549-25-6) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as Cleansing, Emulsion Stabilizer in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Unregulated) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Unregulated) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.1–0.2% within an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix
Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation| Jurisdiction Track | Official Statutory Label Name | One-Click Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name) | DECYL GLUCOSIDE (KR MFDS Registered) | |
| 2. Korea Former Nomenclature History | — | — |
| 3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary) | DECYL GLUCOSIDE | |
| 4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | DECYL GLUCOSIDE | |
| 5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name | — (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC) | — |
| 6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name) | 癸基葡糖苷 | |
| 7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug) | DECYL GLUCOSIDE (Standard INCI Reference) |
Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions
| Region | Status | Max Limit | Conditions & Statutory Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea (MFDS) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| Europe (EU) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| United States (FDA) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| China (NMPA) | Listed / Allowed | GMP | IECIC Entry #2687 |
| Japan (MHLW) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| ASEAN (ACD) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Box-Plot vs. Statutory Limit
Layer 3 — Formulation Usage Guide (Quartiles n≥5) & Physicochemical Compatibility
| Formulation Group | Min – Q1 – Median – Q3 – Max (%) | Role & Mechanism | Source ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A — Aqueous Toner / Serum / Ampoule | 0.1% · 0.1% · 0.1% · 0.2% · 0.2% | Aqueous serum, toner & hydrogel matrix formulation component | Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=14, GRANT 14) |
| Group C — Rinse-Off Cleanser / Shampoo / Body Wash | 1% · 4% · 7% · 10% · 15% | Rinse-off cleanser & surfactant system modifier | Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=13, SEPPIC 12 · EVONIK 1) |
| Group B — O/W & W/O Emulsion / Lotion / Cream | 0.1% · 0.2% · 0.2% · 0.2125% · 5% | Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent | Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=16, GRANT 16) |
| Group D — Sunscreen (UV) / Color Cosmetics / Foundation | 0.1% · 0.2% · 0.2% · 0.2% · 0.3% | Sun care & color cosmetics dispersion / sensory modifier | Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=5, GRANT 5) |
Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery
Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.
pH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior
Outside pH 4–8, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.
Thermally stable up to 50°C during standard emulsification.
Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow
Interactive Synergy Pairings (Solid) & Incompatibility Warnings (Dashed)
Click any green synergy node to jump directly to its monograph, or click a red dashed node to inspect the chemical incompatibility mechanism.
Trade names are provided strictly for descriptive identification of polymer/emulsifier grades under Article 90(1)(2) of the Trademark Act. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Academic & Toxicological Synthesis
Tier 1 SynthesisSynthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.
Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (12)
Alkyl Glucosides in Rinse-Off and Leave-On Cosmetics Available on the Dutch Market [PMID: 42289776 · 2026]
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Alkyl Glucosides: Becoming More Relevant in Facial Dermatitis? [PMID: 41707668 · 2026]
Decyl glucoside as a sustainable surfactant for cosmetic formulations: environmental stability under hardness, pH, and temperature variations [PMID: 41503492 · 2026]
Environmental variability (including fluctuations in water hardness, pH, and temperature) can markedly affect the performance and stability of surfactants in cosmetic formulations. This study systematically evaluates the environmental robustness of three representative surfactants-Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES, anionic), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB, amphoteric), and Decyl glucoside (non-ionic)-with a focus on the sustainable performance of decyl glucoside in diverse conditions. Physicochemical parameters including surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), viscosity, and physical stability were analyzed across hardness levels (0-400 mg per L CaCO 3 ), pH (5.5-9.0), and temperatures (4-40 °C). SLES exhibited pronounced sensitivity to hard water, showing increased surface tension (32.5 → 36.8 mN m -1 ) and elevated CMC (0.25 → 0.45 mM), resulting in precipitation and reduced viscosity. CAPB demonstrated moderate resilience (CMC 0.15-0.24 mM), while decyl glucoside maintained stable physicochemical behavior (CMC ≈ 1.0 mM) regardless of ionic or thermal stress. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, p < 0.01) confirmed significant environmental effects on ionic surfactants but not on decyl glucoside. Mechanistic interpretation based on ion-micelle interactions revealed that the non-ionic structure of decyl glucoside prevents cation binding and aggregation, ensuring consistent interfacial activity and viscosity. The results highlight decyl glucoside's superior environmental stability, biodegradability, and formulation compatibility, positioning it as an ideal candidate for next-generation eco-friendly cosmetics. This work advances the understanding of surfactant-environment interactions and supports sustainable formulation design aligned with green chemistry principles.
Contact Allergy to Preservatives and Emulsifiers in Patients With or Without Atopic Dermatitis [PMID: 41184211 · 2026]
Globally, 20% of children and up to 10% of adults have atopic dermatitis (AD). The impaired skin barrier function among AD patients may predispose them to a higher risk of contact allergy. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of contact allergy to preservatives and emulsifiers in AD patients compared with other dermatological patients (non-AD) patch tested in the period 2006-2023, as well as assess clinical relevance. A retrospective analysis of patch test data was performed among 7936 patients consecutively patch tested with preservatives and emulsifiers in the baseline series at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, Denmark. Overall, no association between AD and contact allergy to preservatives was found. However, significantly more AD patients compared to non-AD patients had contact allergy to 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (1.8% versus 0.6%) and the emulsifier decyl glucoside (14.3% versus 3.1%). Non-AD patients had significantly more contact allergy to benzisothiazolinone (15.4%) compared to AD patients (8.1%). This study showed no overall association between AD and a higher risk of developing contact allergy to preservatives, although differences were identified for a few individual preservatives and for decyl glucoside.
Application of Alkyl Polyglucosides as Components of the Extraction Medium in the Preparation of a Shampoo Cosmetic Formulation Containing Substances Isolated from Red Grape Pomace [PMID: 41011709 · 2025]
This study highlights the use of alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) as sustainable and mild surfactants in cosmetic preparations, such as shampoos, following the principles of green chemistry and environmentally friendly development. APGs are non-ionic surfactants of plant origin. Their favorable dermatological and toxicological profile, as well as their high skin compatibility, make them an excellent alternative to conventional surfactants used in cosmetic products. To increase the sustainability and functionality of cosmetic preparations, the concept of loan extraction was applied, in which the extraction medium is borrowed from the final cosmetic formulation. After the extraction process, the medium enriched with the extracted compounds is returned to the cosmetic. The APGs, as part of cosmetic formulations, were used in the micellar extraction process of grape pomace, a by-product of wine production. The study evaluated the effect of different types of APGs-coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside-and their concentrations on extraction efficiency, measured by LC-MS/MS based on the content of phenolic compounds and amino acids, as well as the total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The designed extraction medium was then used to develop a shampoo, which showed a significantly lower zein value compared to the reference preparation without extract, indicating a reduced skin irritation potential. These results highlight the potential of APG in the development of milder, sustainable cosmetic products with the ability to extract bioactive components, supporting their use in the production of environmentally friendly cosmetics.
Frequent Positive Patch Test Reactions to Glucosides in Children: A Call for Caution? [PMID: 40394829 · 2025]
Alkyl glucosides are surfactants commonly found in cosmetics and household products. However, data on glucoside contact allergy in paediatric populations is limited. To determine the prevalence, relevance and clinical characteristics of contact allergy to glucosides in children. A retrospective review of the files of paediatric patients (≤ 16 years) who underwent patch testing for decyl glucoside (DG) and/or lauryl glucoside (LG) at the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA) in the period between January 2018 and December 2024. Among 241 children tested for DG, 148 (61.4%) were also tested for LG. DG reactions were observed in 47 patients (19.5%), with 27 (11.2%) considered positive. LG reactions occurred in 17/148 (13%), but only 4 (2.7%) were positive, all with concomitant DG reactions. Most positive DG reactions were weak (+) (25/27), whereas only 2 were strong (++). The median age was 7 years (range: 2-15), with 51.9% female. Culprit sources mostly included cosmetics. Patch test reactions to glucosides readily occur in children, and the positivity rate is surprisingly high. Besides many irritant and doubtful reactions, false-positive (+) reactions likely occur, particularly in young atopic children. Careful interpretation of positive results and complementary work-up may thus be necessary.
Use of sorbitan sesquioleate in patch test preparations and patch testing with the substance-What do our results mean? [PMID: 36305668 · 2023]
Sorbitan sesquioleate (SSO) is a sorbitan fatty acid ester, an emulsifier used in topical products and certain patch test preparations. SSO may affect the patch test results. It has been debated whether to include the substance in the baseline series to avoid misinterpretation of the results. To report the prevalence and simultaneous reactions of SSO with other patch test preparations containing SSO as an emulsifier. A retrospective analysis of 3539 dermatitis patients who underwent patch testing from 2016 to 2020 was performed. The 5-year SSO contact allergy prevalence was 0.48%, and 1.3% had a doubtful reaction. Patients with a stronger positive reaction (2+, 3+) were more likely to react simultaneously to other allergen preparations containing SSO (p value = 0.018). One patient with a strong reaction to SSO reacted positively to all SSO-containing patch test preparations. Definite fragrance allergens could not be identified in the patients who had simultaneous reactions to SSO and fragrance mix (FM) I. Patch testing with allergen preparations containing SSO affected the patch test interpretation. Fragrance contact allergy could not be ruled out when a patient simultaneously reacted to SSO and FM I. Changing emulsifiers in patch test preparations would be advantageous.
Co-reactivity of glucosides: Retrospective analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data 2019-2020 [PMID: 36268749 · 2023]
Patch testing with glucosides: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group experience, 2009-2018 [PMID: 35551968 · 2022]
Alkyl glucosides are nonionic surfactants that are increasingly used in personal care products. To characterize positive patch test reactions to decyl glucoside (5% petrolatum, tested 2009-2018) and lauryl glucoside (3% petrolatum, tested 2017-2018). Retrospective analysis of patients tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. Of 24,097 patients patch tested to decyl and/or lauryl glucoside, 470 (2.0%) had positive reactions. Compared with glucoside-negative patients, glucoside-positive patients had higher odds of occupational skin disease (13.4% vs 10.1%; P = .0207), history of hay fever (38.5% vs 31.6%; P = .0014), atopic dermatitis (39.0% vs 28.6%; P < .0001), and/or asthma (21.8% vs 16.5%; P = .0023). Most glucoside reactions (83.9%) were currently relevant. The most common source was personal care products (63.0%), especially hair products (16.5%) and skin cleansers (15.2%). Of 4933 patients tested to decyl and lauryl glucoside, 134 (2.7%) were positive to 1 or both; 43.4% (43 of 99) of decyl-positive patients were also positive to lauryl glucoside and 55.1% (43/78) of lauryl glucoside patients were also positive to decyl glucoside. The cohort predominantly reflects a referral population, and follow-up after testing was not captured. Glucoside positivity occurred in 2.0% of the tested patients. Reactions were often clinically relevant and linked to personal care products. Cross-reactivity was >40%.
European patch test results with audit allergens as candidates for inclusion in the European Baseline Series, 2019/20: Joint results of the ESSCA(A) and the EBS(B) working groups of the ESCD, and the GEIDAC(C) [PMID: 35099073 · 2022]
In 2019, a number of allergens (haptens), henceforth, "the audit allergens," were considered as potential additions to the European Baseline Series (EBS), namely, sodium metabisulfite, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, Compositae mix II (2.5% or 5% pet), linalool hydroperoxides (lin-OOH), limonene hydroperoxides (lim-OOH), benzisothiazolinone (BIT), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside; Evernia furfuracea (tree moss), was additionally tested by some departments as well. To collect further data on patch test reactivity and clinical relevance of the audit allergens in consecutive patients across Europe. Patch test data covering the audit allergens in 2019 and 2020 were collected by those departments of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies testing these, as well as further collaborators from the EBS working group of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD), and the Spanish Grupo Español de Investigación en Dermatitis de Contacto y Alergia Cutánea. As patch test outcome, reactions between day (D) 3 and D5 were considered. Altogether n = 12 403 patients were tested with any of the audit allergen. Positive reactions were most common to lin-OOH 1% pet. (8.74% [95%CI: 8.14-9.37%]), followed by lin-OOH 0.5% pet., and lim-OOH 0.3% pet (5.41% [95% CI: 4.95-5.89%]). Beyond these terpene hydroperoxides, BIT 0.1% pet. was the second most common allergen with 4.72% (95% CI: 4.2-5.28%), followed by sodium metabisulfite 1% pet. (3.75% [95%CI: 3.32-4.23%]) and Compositae mix 5% pet. (2.31% [95% CI: 1.84-2.87%]). For some allergens, clinical relevance was frequently difficult to ascertain. Despite many positive patch test reactions, it remains controversial whether lin- and lim-OOH should be tested routinely, while at least the two preservatives BIT and sodium metabisulfite appear suitable. The present results are a basis for further discussion and ultimately decision on their implementation into routine testing among the ESCD members.
The History of Surfactants and Review of Their Allergic and Irritant Properties [PMID: 34524773 · 2021]
Surfactants, many of which are used as detergents, can be found in many common household items, such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and cosmetics. One should recognize the multitude of surfactants that are used in today's products to identify any potential allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) or irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Given their abundance in everyday products, it is understandable that many cases of occupational contact dermatitis that arise can be attributed to surfactants. The products most connected with ACD are cocamidopropyl betaine, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, decyl glucoside, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine, amidoamine, and cocamide diethanolamine. Similarly, the most common surfactant-related causes of ICD are sodium lauryl sulfate and benzalkonium chloride. It is important for dermatologists to identify the causes and differentiate between the two, to adjust treatments and products accordingly. Here, the most frequently used surfactants, as well as their correlation between ACD and ICD, will be reviewed.
Extracts from By-Products of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry as Ingredients Improving the Properties of Cleansing Gels [PMID: 41471714 · 2025]
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding extracts obtained from by-products on the physicochemical and functional properties of cleansing gels. Micellar extraction (2% decyl glucoside solution in water) was performed on secondary raw materials: banana peel (BP), pomegranate peel (PP), tomato pomace (TP), and grape pomace (GP). The extracts were analyzed for soluble substances and active compounds (polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C). Cleansing gels containing plant extracts were also prepared and evaluated for their color and physicochemical and functional properties. The extracts contained natural polyphenols (10.99-16.54 mg·100 mL -1 ), carotenoids (1.391-2.402 mg·mL -1 ), and vitamin C (0.651-1.529 mg·100 mL -1 ). The extract-enriched gels showed altered color (lower brightness, greater redness and yellowness), enhanced foaming properties, and modified viscosity (402.9-416.8 mPA for BP and GP; lower for PP and TP). The pH of the gels ranged from 5.391 to 5.917, which is within the physiological range of human skin. Dissolution times were reduced by up to 60% compared to the control, with PP extract producing the shortest time of 15.7 min. These results indicate that plant by-product extracts can improve both the functional performance and skin compatibility of cleaning gels.
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)
- Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for DECYL GLUCOSIDE?
- Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'DECYL GLUCOSIDE', EU CosIng: 'DECYL GLUCOSIDE', KR MFDS: 'DECYL GLUCOSIDE (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '癸基葡糖苷', and JP JCIA: 'DECYL GLUCOSIDE'.
- Q2. Is DECYL GLUCOSIDE restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
- Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: none, EU: none, US: none, CN: allowed, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
- Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for DECYL GLUCOSIDE?
- In aqueous_serum systems, DECYL GLUCOSIDE is typically formulated between 0.1% and 0.2% (median 0.1%), with an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
- Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for DECYL GLUCOSIDE?
- Recommended synergy pairings include GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads.