What Is Undecyl Glucoside?
Undecyl Glucoside is a plant based surfactant made by linking glucose from corn or other renewable crops with undecyl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemically it belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside family and its full name is D-Glucopyranoside, Undecyl. First introduced in the early 1990s as a gentler option than sulfates, it soon became popular in natural and sensitive skin products. Production involves heating the sugar and fatty alcohol together in the presence of an acid catalyst, then purifying the mixture into a clear water soluble liquid.
Thanks to its mild yet effective cleansing action, Undecyl Glucoside is widely used in shampoos, facial cleansers and body washes. Its softness makes it a common choice for baby washes and micellar waters, and formulators often include it in makeup removers, exfoliating masks and sulfate free bubble baths to give a soft stable foam.
Undecyl Glucoside’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Undecyl Glucoside works chiefly as a cleanser. It lowers the surface tension of water so oils and grime lift away easily, and it creates a creamy foam that enhances the washing experience. Because it is gentle and biodegradable, it helps limit dryness or irritation often linked to harsher surfactants, which makes it a dependable choice for daily skin and hair care and for people with delicate or reactive skin.
Who Can Use Undecyl Glucoside
Undecyl Glucoside is considered friendly for nearly every skin type, including dry, oily and combination skin. Its mild nature suits sensitive or reactive complexions because it cleans without stripping away the skin’s natural protective oils. People with chronic skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea often find it gentler than sulfate based cleansers, although individual tolerance can vary.
The ingredient is sourced from plants and does not rely on animal by-products, so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards when the finished formula is also free of animal derived additives. Many brands that emphasise cruelty free values choose this surfactant for that reason.
No published research links topical Undecyl Glucoside with problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The molecule is large and designed to rinse off the skin rather than penetrate it, which limits systemic absorption. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any skincare product to their healthcare professional before use.
Undecyl Glucoside does not increase photosensitivity and can be used alongside daily sunscreen without affecting protection. It is also colour safe for treated hair and compatible with most active ingredients commonly found in cleansers such as niacinamide or salicylic acid.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Undecyl Glucoside differ from person to person. The points below cover possible side effects, though most people will not notice any of them when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin dryness
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching, hives or rash
- Excessive dryness or tightness if the formula uses a very high concentration of surfactants
If any discomfort or visible irritation occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic). Undecyl Glucoside is a water-soluble surfactant that is designed to rinse completely off the skin and hair, so it does not sit in pores or leave behind oily film that could trap debris. Its molecular structure is large and hydrophilic, which makes it unlikely to contribute to blackheads or breakouts. Because of this, the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or congestion. As a rinse-off agent its contact time with the skin is short, further lowering any clogging risk.
Formulas that pair it with heavy oils or butters could still feel occlusive on very oily skin, but that would be due to the other ingredients rather than Undecyl Glucoside itself.
Summary
Undecyl Glucoside is mainly a cleanser that lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup while creating a soft foam. It achieves this by lowering water’s surface tension, allowing impurities to mix with the lather and rinse off easily. Its gentle action and plant origin have made it a favorite in sulfate-free shampoos, baby washes, micellar waters and other products aimed at sensitive skin or eco-conscious buyers. Although not as universally known as classic sulfates like SLS, its popularity has grown steadily in natural beauty and dermatologist-recommended ranges.
With a low irritation profile, no known systemic risks and a comedogenic rating of 0, Undecyl Glucoside is considered very safe for everyday use. Still, each person’s skin is unique, so doing a small patch test when trying any new product remains a smart precaution.