What Is Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate?
Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate is a plant-derived ingredient created by combining lauryl glucoside, a mild surfactant made from sugar and coconut or palm kernel oil, with citric acid that has been modified through a process called hydroxypropylation. The result is a multifunctional molecule that carries two sodium ions, giving it good water solubility and a gentle skin feel. Chemists began experimenting with this hybrid structure in the early 2000s as they looked for greener alternatives to harsher sulfates. By linking a sugar-based cleanser to a citrate backbone they managed to improve mildness while adding extra performance traits like chelation and foam support.
Manufacturing starts with fermenting or enzymatically processing glucose to form lauryl glucoside. Separately citric acid is reacted with propylene oxide to create hydroxypropyl citrate. The two pieces are then joined and neutralized with sodium hydroxide to yield the final disodium salt. This synthesis relies on renewable feedstocks and avoids ethoxylation, aligning with modern clean-beauty guidelines.
You will typically spot Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, sulfate-free shampoos, body washes, foaming masks, baby washes, mild hand soaps, makeup removers and even some leave-on sprays where it acts as a solubilizer for oils.
Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This single ingredient can play several supportive roles in a formula, making it popular with product developers who want to keep ingredient lists short.
- Chelating: Binds hard-water metal ions so they cannot react with other ingredients. This keeps formulas stable, improves lather and prevents dull residue on hair and skin.
- Cleansing: Gently lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, suitable for sensitive or baby products.
- Emollient: Leaves a light conditioning film that helps skin and hair feel soft and smooth after rinsing.
- Foam Boosting: Enhances and stabilizes foam, allowing sulfate-free cleansers and shampoos to deliver the rich lather consumers expect.
- Hydrotrope: Improves the solubility of fragrance oils, essential oils and other poorly water-soluble actives which helps create clear, uniform products.
Who Can Use Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate
This gentle surfactant is considered suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, sensitive and mature skin, because it cleans without aggressively stripping natural oils or disrupting the skin barrier. People with very reactive skin often tolerate it better than sulfate-based cleansers, though any surfactant can be drying if used in high concentrations or left on too long.
The compound is made from plant-derived glucose, vegetable fatty alcohols and citric acid then neutralized with mineral sodium, so it contains no animal-derived components. That makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians and it is also in line with most clean-beauty or cruelty-free standards.
Current safety data indicate no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as directed in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or continuing use.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to increase photosensitivity, so daytime use does not require any extra sun precautions beyond a standard broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Because it improves solubility, Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate can occasionally increase skin penetration of other actives in the same formula. Sensitive users may want to keep an eye on how their skin responds when the product also contains potent exfoliants or fragrances.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur even though most users experience none when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild transient dryness
- Temporary tightness or squeaky skin feel in very low lipid environments
- Eye irritation if the raw material or foamy cleanser is allowed to sit on the eye surface
- Contact irritation or redness in individuals allergic to any component of the final formula
- Scalp itching when used in a shampoo formula that is too concentrated for the user’s needs
If any discomfort, persistent redness or swelling occurs stop using the product and consult a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate is fully water soluble and has no greasy or occlusive characteristics, so it rinses away without leaving pore-clogging residues. Its molecular weight is also high enough that it is unlikely to get trapped inside follicles. For these reasons formulators consider it non-comedogenic.
Because it scores a zero this ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
The fact that it is most often used in rinse-off cleansers further reduces any potential for build-up that could lead to congestion.
Summary
Disodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropyl Citrate acts as a gentle cleanser, chelating agent, mild emollient, foam booster and hydrotrope. The sugar-derived surfactant portion loosens oils and dirt while the citrate end grabs metal ions to keep lather stable and prevent residue. Its slight lipid tail leaves a soft feel on skin or hair, and its hydrotropic nature pulls stubborn oils and fragrances into clear solution.
Though not yet a household name it is gaining traction in sulfate-free face washes, baby baths and eco-minded shampoos because it delivers plush foam without the harshness of traditional sulfates.
Current safety assessments place it in the low-risk category for irritation or sensitization, but as with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to do a small patch test when trying a fresh product just to be on the safe side.