What it is
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is an alkyl polyglucoside made by linking glucose to a blend of fatty alcohols in the C12 to C20 chain-length range. It is a mild nonionic emulsifier that helps disperse oil and water phases, and it is commonly combined with a fatty alcohol co-emulsifier to build stable, low-irritation creams and sunscreen lotions. Its sugar-based structure makes it a popular choice for gentle, well-tolerated emulsion systems.
Safety & warnings
Alkyl glucosides are nonionic and recognized for low irritation and high skin tolerance, making them suitable for sensitive-skin products. They are not fragrance allergens; some individuals can rarely show contact sensitivity to alkyl glucoside surfactants, though this is uncommon.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from renewable sources: glucose (typically from corn or other starches) condensed with fatty alcohols of vegetable origin.
Questions everyone asks
What is C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside used for?
It is a mild, sugar-based emulsifier that keeps the oil and water parts of a cream or lotion blended together.
Is it gentle on skin?
Yes, alkyl glucosides are nonionic surfactants known for low irritation and are often chosen for sensitive-skin formulas.