C20-22 Alkyl Glucoside
AKA “C20-22 Alkyl Glucoside, Alkyl Glucoside
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
C20-22 alkyl glucoside
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
C20-22 Alkyl Glucoside is the product obtained by the condensation of C20-22 alcohols with glucose. Science: Functions: Binding, Surfactant - Cleansing, Surfactant - Emulsifying Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Binding
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Holds Formula Together
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Holds ingredients together
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A synthetic gentle surfactant derived from glucose and fatty alcohols, developed in the late 20th century as a biodegradable alternative to harsher synthetic detergents.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Alkyl Glucosides.
Alfalah M, Loranger C, Sasseville D
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2017
Alkyl Glucosides.
Alfalah M, Loranger C, Sasseville D
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2017
Alkyl Glucosides.
Alfalah M, Loranger C, Sasseville D
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 2017
Patch testing with alkyl glucosides: Concomitant reactions are common but not ubiquitous.
Bhoyrul B, Solman L, Kirk S, Orton D, Wilkinson M
Contact dermatitis, 2019
Patch testing with alkyl glucosides: Concomitant reactions are common but not ubiquitous.
Bhoyrul B, Solman L, Kirk S, Orton D, Wilkinson M
Contact dermatitis, 2019
Patch testing with alkyl glucosides: Concomitant reactions are common but not ubiquitous.
Bhoyrul B, Solman L, Kirk S, Orton D, Wilkinson M
Contact dermatitis, 2019
Safety Assessment of Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C12-18 Alkyl Glucoside
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C20-22 Alkyl Glucoside
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C12 20 Alkyl Glucoside
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
C12-18 Alkyl Glucoside
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR