Is Decyl Glucoside safe in cosmetics?
Decyl Glucoside has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Decyl Glucoside
Also known as: (C8-C10)alkyl ether of corn sugar, D-Glucopyranose, oligomeric, C8-10 glycosides, D-Glucose, decyl octyl ethers, oligomeric, ETHERS, D-GLUCOSE, DECYL OCTYL, OLIGOMERIC, EC 500-220-1 (+2 more)
INCI: DECYL GLUCOSIDE
Decyl Glucoside (CAS 68515-73-1) is a cosmetic surfactant functioning as Surfactant; cleanser; wetting agent; co-emulsifier. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 68515-73-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Decyl Glucoside is classified GHS Danger (H318) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Surfactant; cleanser; wetting agent; co-emulsifier
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
FDA VCRP: listed in 492 cosmetic formulations (rinse-off predominant). No 21 CFR restrictions. Not a sunscreen active. Manufacturer responsible for safety substantiation under FD&C Act. NACDG patch test standard series includes DG since 2009.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Decyl Glucoside.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Decyl Glucoside based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
surfactant
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
glucoside-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Decyl Glucoside, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
3-8%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
320.4 Da
Log P
1.2
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
2-6%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: CIR
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10,000 - 100,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | 3–8 | 15 | CIR/VCRP |
| Facial Cleanser | 2–6 | 10 | CIR/VCRP |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "68515-73-1", "anti_acne_mechanism": "antibacterial", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0-1", "acne_type_efficacy": "inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "0-5", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "No", "korea_functional_cosmetic_acne": "No", "eu_cosmetic_restriction_a…
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "surfactant", "cross_reactivity_group": "glucoside-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.5", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA"}
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "54549-24-5/68515-73-1", "ingredient_class": "cleanser_baby", "pediatric_safety_rating": "excellent", "minimum_age_months": "0", "neonatal_safe": "yes", "premature_infant_safe": "yes", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "Naturally derived, excellent skin barrier compatibility", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Safe at <15% us…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "all,oily,sensitive,combination,normal,acne-prone,rosacea", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Very gentle"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "5.0", "max_concentration_pct": "20.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "12.0", "product_type": "Baby Shampoo", "function_at_concentration": "Ultra-gentle surfactant", "source": "CIR Safety Assessment"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "mid-range", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "12", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "22", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "25", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "50", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "Europe", "synthetic_vs_natural_cost_ratio": "1.8", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "200", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "specialty…
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "320.4", "log_p_value": "1.2", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum", "absorption_pct": "3-8", "systemic_absorption": "minimal", "penetration_enhancer": "yes", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "neutral", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "2-6", "safety_margin_factor": "low", "source": "CIR"}
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "14-28", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "very low toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "minimal aquatic impact", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmental": "no"…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Cleaning agent
Emulsifier
Foamant
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Wetting agent (non-aqueous)
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Decyl Glucoside.
Regulatory Flags
emerging-allergen
eye-irritant
cross-reactive
patch-test-inclusion
rinse-off-max-33pct
leave-on-max-5pct
cosmos-approved
no-eu-restriction
ph-adjustment-required
epa_safer_alternative
Known Synonyms
(C8-C10)alkyl ether of corn sugar
D-Glucopyranose, oligomeric, C8-10 glycosides
D-Glucose, decyl octyl ethers, oligomeric
ETHERS, D-GLUCOSE, DECYL OCTYL, OLIGOMERIC
EC 500-220-1
UNII-E00JL9G9K0
Oligomeric D-glucopyranose decyl octyl glycosides
Chemical Function
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Cleaning agent
Regulatory Lists
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
SCIL (9/2019)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decyl Glucoside allowed in the EU?
Decyl Glucoside EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Decyl Glucoside do in cosmetics?
Decyl Glucoside functions as: Surfactant; cleanser; wetting agent; co-emulsifier. It is classified as a Surfactant in our database. CAS number: 68515-73-1.
Is Decyl Glucoside used outside cosmetics?
Decyl Glucoside also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Decyl Glucoside have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Decyl Glucoside is classified GHS Danger (H318) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Compliance Tools
Check Decyl Glucoside compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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