What Is Nonanoyl Methylglucamide?
Nonanoyl Methylglucamide is a plant-derived surfactant made by combining glucose from corn or sugar beets with nonanoic acid, a fatty acid sourced from natural oils such as coconut or palm. Chemically it falls into the N-methyl glucamide family, meaning the sugar molecule is linked to a fatty chain that gives the ingredient its cleansing power as well as its mildness.
The search for gentler cleansers in the late 1980s led formulators to sugar-based surfactants, and Nonanoyl Methylglucamide quickly gained attention. It offered the cleaning ability of traditional sulfates but with far less irritation, making it suitable for daily use. Production starts with fermenting plant sugars to obtain glucose, reacting the glucose with methylamine to create methylglucamine then attaching nonanoic acid through controlled heating. The result is a biodegradable ingredient that works in both hard and soft water.
You will typically spot Nonanoyl Methylglucamide in face washes, micellar waters, toothpastes, body cleansers, scalp-soothing shampoos, sheet masks and gentle baby products. Its mild nature allows brands to market sulfate-free formulas that still build a satisfying lather and leave skin soft.
Nonanoyl Methylglucamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient improves both the performance and feel of many personal care products:
- Antiplaque – in oral care products it helps loosen sticky biofilm so brushing can remove plaque more effectively, supporting fresher breath and a cleaner smile
- Surface Modifier – it reduces surface tension, allowing water-based formulas to spread evenly and rinse cleanly which translates to a smoother skin or hair feel and better distribution of actives
- Cleansing – its sugar-based surfactant structure lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping natural moisture so skin feels comfortable after use
Who Can Use Nonanoyl Methylglucamide
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it lifts impurities without stripping away natural oils. Extremely compromised or broken skin may still sting with any surfactant so those users should introduce it cautiously.
Because the ingredient is obtained from plant sugars and plant-derived fatty acids it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived raw materials or by-products are needed during its standard manufacturing process.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run all skincare choices past a health professional to be safe.
Nonanoyl Methylglucamide is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with common actives such as vitamin C or retinoids and does not interfere with color-treated hair.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly
- Mild skin irritation
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally enters the eyes
- Transient dryness or tightness when used in very high concentrations or with other strong surfactants
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to sugar-based surfactants
If any discomfort redness or swelling appears stop use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic)
Nonanoyl Methylglucamide is a rinse-off sugar-based surfactant that does not leave an oily film on skin or clog pores. Its molecular size is relatively large, it is highly water-soluble and it is usually present in low concentrations that wash away quickly. For these reasons it earns the lowest possible score on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is commonly used in cleansers rather than leave-on products any residue left behind is minimal, further lowering the risk of pore blockage.
Summary
Nonanoyl Methylglucamide is a plant-derived surfactant that cleanses, supports antiplaque action and improves how water-based formulas spread and rinse. It achieves these results by pairing a glucose head that loves water with a fatty tail that grabs oil and debris, allowing grime to lift away while leaving skin comfortable.
The ingredient is gaining steady popularity as brands look for gentle sulfate-free options, though it is still less common than long-standing surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine.
Current research shows it is safe for most users with a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging. As with any new product it is smart to patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the formula.