Decyl Glucoside CAS 68515-73-1

Introduction to Decyl Glucoside

Decyl Glucoside is a pale-yellow to amber viscous liquid, a non-ionic alkyl polyglucoside whose C10 decyl tail attaches to a single D-glucose unit via a β-1,4-glycosidic bond. No ethoxylene spacer sits between hydrophobe and hydrophilic head. HLB sits at 12–13, water solubility is complete at room temperature, and CMC lands near 0.9 g/L. The product functions as a primary surfactant or foam-stabilising co-surfactant in sulfate-free personal-care lines and plant-derived household cleaners.

SLES typically carries 1–10 ppm residual 1,4-dioxane and trace ethylene oxide; Decyl Glucoside contains zero of either—no ethoxylation step exists in APG synthesis. This clears EU (EC) 1223/2009 limits for leave-on and baby-care products without additional purification. One caution: the glycosidic bond hydrolyses below pH 3 during prolonged storage; buffer finished formulas above pH 4.

Key Features of Decyl Glucoside

• Zero-EO, zero-sulfate architecture. The molecule is built from decanol and glucose only; no ethoxylation step means no 1,4-dioxane, no PEG oligomers, and no residual ethylene oxide—parameters that SLES and AES batches routinely struggle to hold below 10 ppm.
• C10 chain delivers lower irritation than C12 analogues. Compared with Lauryl Glucoside (C12), the shorter decyl tail reduces stratum-corneum lipid extraction, yielding a lower erythema score in repeat-insult patch tests and making Decyl Glucoside the preferred APG for baby and intimate-care formulations.
• β-glycosidic bond ensures full aerobic biodegradation. OECD 301B tests consistently report >70% CO₂ evolution within 28 days, satisfying EU Ecolabel and COSMOS criteria without a persistent metabolite.
• Broad electrolyte and surfactant-class compatibility. Unlike sulfate-based anionics that salt out above 3% NaCl, Decyl Glucoside remains clear and functional in high-electrolyte systems and blends synergistically with anionics, cationics, and amphoteric betaines.
• Dense, creamy foam at low active levels. At 2–4% active in a body-wash base, foam volume rises 20–35% versus an all-betaine control, and lamellae resist collapse in hard water (>250 ppm CaCO₃).

Decyl Glucoside Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Decyl Glucoside

Sulfate-free shampoo and body wash: Decyl Glucoside replaces SLES as the primary surfactant at 8–15% active. The glucose head group hydrates the scalp surface while the C10 tail lifts sebum without stripping phospholipid bilayers. Formulators typically pair it with cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) at 3–5% to boost viscosity and flash foam.

Baby and sensitive-skin cleansers: At 4–8% active the C10 chain length keeps the irritation index below 0.5 in 48-hour occluded patch tests. No residual EO or dioxane exists, so the ingredient passes EU (EC) 1223/2009 Annex II restrictions without additional purification. Typical finished-product pH: 5.0–5.5.

Plant-based household dish liquid and all-purpose cleaner: Decyl Glucoside contributes wetting and grease emulsification at 5–12% active. Non-ionic character means performance holds in water hardness up to 400 ppm CaCO₃, eliminating the need for chelating builders in many formulations.

Micellar water and leave-on facial cleansers: Used at 1–4% active, the low CMC (~0.9 g/L) allows micelle formation at very dilute concentrations, trapping lipophilic makeup residues while the glucose moiety maintains a non-stripping skin feel. No rinse-off required.

Agricultural and textile wetting agent: At 0.1–0.5% in tank-mix or scouring baths, Decyl Glucoside reduces surface tension below 32 mN/m (per ASTM D1331), improving spread on waxy leaf cuticles or unbleached cotton without introducing silicone or EO residues that interfere with downstream dyeing.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Decyl Glucoside

Storage conditions. Keep drums sealed at 5–35 °C, away from direct sunlight. Below 5 °C the glucose fraction crystallises and the solution turns cloudy or forms a waxy solid—this is reversible. Do NOT store near strong mineral acids (HCl, H₂SO₄); at pH <3 the β-glycosidic bond hydrolyses, releasing free glucose and decanol and permanently reducing surface activity. Once a drum is opened, use within 30 days or dose a broad-spectrum preservative (e.g., phenoxyethanol 0.5–1%) to prevent microbial growth in the aqueous phase.

Safety and PPE. Decyl Glucoside is not classified as hazardous under GHS. Mild, transient eye irritation possible (Category 2B); wear chemical-splash goggles and nitrile gloves during drum transfers. For spills, contain with inert absorbent (vermiculite or cellulose), collect into a labelled container, rinse the area with water. No special ventilation required at ambient temperature.

Transport classification. Non-DG. Not regulated under IMDG, IATA, or ADR. Ship as a standard liquid chemical. Ensure drum bungs are torqued to ≥15 N·m to prevent weeping during ocean freight.

Practitioner note: When verifying active content by oven-dry (gravimetric) method, set the oven at 105 ± 2 °C for 2 h per ISO 2271 guidance. Exceeding 110 °C caramelises the glucose head group and gives a falsely low reading. We have seen this error cause a 2–3% apparent “loss” in incoming QC labs that use 120 °C by default.

Decyl Glucoside FAQ

Q: A drum arrived semi-solid and opaque in winter. Is the batch defective?

A: No. Below 5 °C the glucose fraction crystallises—reversible. Warm the drum to 25–30 °C, wait 12–24 h, stir gently. The liquid returns to original clarity and full surface activity. Compare recovered viscosity and pH against the shipped COA.

Q: Can Decyl Glucoside (CAS 68515-73-1) fully replace SLES in shampoo?

A: Not 1:1. Decyl Glucoside is non-ionic and does not respond to salt thickening. Use 10–14% active plus 3–5% cocamidopropyl betaine or a PEG-free thickener. Expect 20–30% lower viscosity than SLES unless compensated. Pilot a 2 kg batch and check foam by Ross-Miles (ISO 4315) before scaling.

Q: How does Decyl Glucoside differ from Lauryl Glucoside (C12) in foam?

A: C10 gives faster flash foam, lighter lather. C12 yields denser, longer-lasting foam and more viscosity. At 3% active: Decyl Glucoside hits 180–200 mm at 0 min but retains 55–60% at 5 min; Lauryl Glucoside starts at 160–180 mm but holds 70%. Choose C10 for mildness and fast rinse; C12 for viscosity.

Q: Does the glycosidic bond degrade during 12-month storage?

A: At pH 6–8 and 5–35 °C, hydrolysis is negligible—less than 0.5% glucose release over 12 months. The bond breaks only below pH 3 or above 50 °C for weeks. Buffer finished formulas above pH 4. Viscosity may drift ±15% between lots due to natural C8–C10 feedstock variation; this does not affect CMC or surface tension.