Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride?

Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride is a plant-based compound created by linking a naturally occurring sugar molecule (glucose) to fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm oil, then turning part of the new molecule into a mild, positively charged salt. Chemists first explored this class of ingredients in the 1990s while looking for gentler alternatives to harsh sulfate detergents. By adding the “quaternary” or positively charged group they found the material could cleanse yet still leave skin and hair feeling soft.

The manufacturing process starts with lauryl glucoside, a sugar-derived surfactant made by combining glucose with lauryl alcohol. Through a controlled reaction with a small amount of propylene oxide, followed by quaternization with a chloride source, the final conditioner-cleanser hybrid is formed. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves easily in water and blends well with other ingredients.

You will most often spot Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride in gentle facial cleansers, sulfate-free shampoos, micellar waters, baby washes, 2-in-1 cleansing conditioners, sheet mask essences and light facial moisturizers where formulators want cleaning power without stripping the skin.

Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multi-tasking ingredient brings several perks to modern skin and hair formulas:

  • Cleansing: Lifts away oil, sweat and daily grime while producing a light, low-irritation foam that rinses clean
  • Skin Conditioning: Leaves a soft, hydrated after-feel because the positive charge in the molecule attaches lightly to the skin surface helping hold in moisture
  • Emulsifying: Helps keep water and oil phases blended so lotions and cleansers stay smooth and stable through shelf life

Who Can Use Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride

This gentle cleanser-conditioner is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. Its mild nature and low irritation potential make it a good choice for babies, mature skin and anyone prone to redness or tightness after washing. There are no known concerns for acne-prone skin either, since the ingredient is water soluble and does not leave a heavy residue.

Because it is produced from plant-derived glucose and coconut or palm fatty alcohols, the material is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal by-products are used in its manufacture and it is not tested on animals in most major markets that follow cruelty-free standards.

Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in finished products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should still run all skincare choices past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.

The molecule does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free and typically sulfate free which further reduces the chance of stinging or dryness.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that are considered uncommon. When used within the limits set by cosmetic regulations most users experience none of these issues.

  • Mild skin irritation such as slight burning or itching, particularly on very compromised or broken skin
  • Transient redness that usually subsides after rinsing
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to coconut derivatives or quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Eye stinging if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
  • Build-up or limp feel on very fine hair if the concentration is unusually high in a leave-on product

If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride is fully water soluble, carries a positive charge that keeps it on the skin surface only briefly, and is commonly used in rinse-off formulas. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that could block pores and it easily washes away without leaving a residue. For these reasons it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score.

This makes the ingredient an appropriate choice for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Because most products featuring this material are cleansers that are rinsed off within a minute or two, the real-world pore-clogging risk is even lower than the rating suggests.

Summary

Laurdimoniumhydroxypropyl Laurylglucosides Chloride is a plant-derived multitasker that cleanses, conditions skin and hair, and stabilizes oil-and-water mixtures. Its sugar-based surfactant portion loosens dirt while its mild cationic end leaves a soft hydrated feel and helps emulsify formulations.

Although not as widespread as traditional sulfates, the ingredient is gaining traction in gentle facial washes, sulfate-free shampoos and micellar waters aimed at sensitive or eco-conscious shoppers.

Safety profiles show low irritation and virtually no comedogenicity, so most users can enjoy its benefits with minimal concern. As with any new skincare ingredient it is still wise to patch test a fresh product before full-face use just to be safe.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search