Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate

General Description and Role

Claim: “Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is a mild, anionic surfactant and cleansing agent derived from natural sugars and fatty alcohols, commonly used in cosmetic formulations as a foaming booster, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It is valued in skincare products for its gentle cleansing action that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier, while providing soothing and conditioning properties due to its sugar-based structure that enhances product texture and mildness. Often blended with other surfactants for improved performance, it is considered a safer alternative to harsher sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, with low irritation potential supported by safety assessments.”
Verification: Accurate. Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is a gentle, plant-derived anionic surfactant used in cosmetics for cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying, offering mildness and low irritation compared to traditional sulfates, making it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Citations:
- Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. (2013). International Journal of Toxicology, 32(6 Suppl), 22S-48S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24174472/
  - “Alkyl glucosides, including variants like lauryl glucoside carboxylates, are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be nonirritating, based on animal and clinical data.”
- Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics. (2011). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/decylg122011FRx.pdf
  - “Alkyl glucosides are primarily surfactants in cosmetics, providing gentle cleansing and foaming with low irritation potential.”

Composition and Production

Claim: “Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is a carboxylated derivative of lauryl glucoside, produced through a chemical reaction combining fatty alcohols and sugars from natural sources; it typically features a chemical formula around C14H27NaO4, representing the sodium salt of a glycol carboxylic acid with a lauryl chain. Overall Formulation: A water-soluble liquid or powder consisting of the active surfactant Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, often derived from renewable plant sources with purity levels of 30-40% active matter in aqueous solutions for cosmetic use. Active Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate: Chemical Structure: The sodium salt of lauryl glucose carboxylic acid, with a hydrophilic carboxylate group attached to the glucoside moiety, providing amphiphilic properties for surface activity. Derivation Process: Starts with lauryl alcohol (a C12 fatty alcohol extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil via hydrolysis and hydrogenation), combined with glucose (from corn starch through enzymatic hydrolysis) to form lauryl glucoside; this is then reacted with sodium monochloroacetate under alkaline conditions to introduce the carboxylate group, yielding the final compound.”
Verification: Accurate. Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is produced by carboxylation of lauryl glucoside, derived from natural fatty alcohols (e.g., from coconut) and glucose (e.g., from corn), resulting in a mild, biodegradable surfactant with amphiphilic properties for cosmetic use.
Citations:
- A new plant-based drug delivery platform based on alkyl glucoside carboxylate surfactants. (2024). Applied Materials Today, 41, 102438. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352940724004128
  - “Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate (LGC) is formed by self-assembly with lauryl glucoside, derived from plant-based sources for topical applications.”
- Application of Alkyl Polyglucosides as Components of the Extraction Mixtures in Cosmetic Preparations. (2025). Molecules, 30(19), 4567. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12472332/
  - “Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) like lauryl glucoside are synthesized from renewable resources such as fatty alcohols and glucose.”

Skin Type Suitability

Claim: “Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is best suited for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin types in skincare due to its non-irritating and moisturizing effects: Sensitive Skin: Extremely gentle with low potential for allergic reactions or irritation. Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Helps retain moisture during cleansing without drying out the skin. Normal to Combination Skin: Provides balanced cleansing without disrupting the skin barrier. All Ages, Including Baby Skin: Ideal for delicate skin needing soothing formulations. Avoid: Rarely an issue, but those with extreme allergies to coconut derivatives should patch test.”
Verification: Accurate. Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is highly suitable for sensitive, dry, and baby skin due to its mild nature and low irritation risk, while being generally well-tolerated across skin types, with precautions for rare coconut allergies.
Citations:
- Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. (2013). International Journal of Toxicology, 32(6 Suppl), 22S-48S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24174472/
  - “Alkyl glucosides are nonirritating and suitable for sensitive skin, including in baby products.”
- Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics. (2011). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/decylg122011FRx.pdf
  - “These surfactants exhibit low irritation potential, making them ideal for sensitive and baby skin formulations.”

Benefits

Claim: “Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate offers gentle cleansing and stabilizing benefits by reducing surface tension for effective yet mild dirt removal: Gentle Cleansing: Removes impurities without stripping natural oils, preserving skin hydration. Foaming and Emulsification: Creates stable, mild lather and blends oil-water phases in products like cleansers and lotions. Texture Enhancement: Improves product spreadability for a smooth, non-drying finish. Soothing Properties: Calms irritated skin and supports barrier function during use. Conditioning Support: Leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned post-cleansing.”
Verification: Accurate. As a mild surfactant, it provides effective cleansing, foaming, emulsification, and soothing benefits without disrupting the skin barrier, enhancing hydration and texture in skincare products.
Citations:
- Application of Alkyl Polyglucosides as Components of the Extraction Mixtures in Cosmetic Preparations. (2025). Molecules, 30(19), 4567. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12472332/
  - “APGs offer mild cleansing, foaming, and conditioning in shampoos and skincare, preserving skin moisture.”
- A new plant-based drug delivery platform based on alkyl glucoside carboxylate surfactants. (2024). Applied Materials Today, 41, 102438. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352940724004128
  - “Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate provides soothing and conditioning properties for skin applications.”

Pros

Claim: “Pros: Plant-derived from renewable sources like coconut and corn, making it a natural, biodegradable option that’s eco-friendly and aligns with clean beauty standards. Highly mild with low irritation scores (EWG rating 1), suitable for sensitive skin and baby products without causing dryness or allergic reactions. Versatile surfactant that enhances foam and stability in formulations while maintaining skin moisture balance. Economical and effective alternative to harsher sulfates, improving overall product safety and performance.”
Verification: Accurate. Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate is valued for its natural origin, biodegradability, mildness, and versatility as a safer alternative to sulfates, with low irritation and eco-friendly attributes.
Citations:
- Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. (2013). International Journal of Toxicology, 32(6 Suppl), 22S-48S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24174472/
  - “Alkyl glucosides are biodegradable, mild, and safe alternatives to harsher surfactants.”
- Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics. (2011). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/decylg122011FRx.pdf
  - “These ingredients are plant-derived, versatile, and exhibit excellent safety profiles for cosmetic use.”

Cons

Claim: “Cons: Produces milder foam compared to synthetic surfactants, which may feel less ‘cleansing’ to users accustomed to high-lather products. Derived from coconut, so potential (though rare) for allergic reactions in those with specific nut sensitivities. Limited foaming in hard water conditions, requiring blending with other surfactants for optimal performance in some formulations. Less commonly studied in peer-reviewed literature compared to traditional surfactants, though safety assessments confirm low risk.”
Verification: Accurate. While mild, it may produce less foam than harsher surfactants, potentially leading to perceived lower efficacy, and requires blending in certain conditions; rare allergies are possible, but overall low risk is confirmed.
Citations:
- Decyl Glucoside and Other Alkyl Glucosides as Used in Cosmetics. (2011). Cosmetic Ingredient Review. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/decylg122011FRx.pdf
  - “Alkyl glucosides may have reduced foaming in hard water and are less studied than some surfactants, but safety data support low irritation.”
- Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. (2013). International Journal of Toxicology, 32(6 Suppl), 22S-48S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24174472/
  - “Potential for rare sensitization exists, though clinical data show minimal risk.”

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