What Is Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside?
Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant made by combining fatty alcohols that come from coconut or palm kernels with glucose obtained from corn or other starch-rich crops. Chemically it is a modified sugar molecule where part of the glucose is linked to medium-chain fatty alcohols (with carbon lengths from 10 to 16) and another part is turned into a carboxymethyl salt, giving the ingredient its mild cleansing power and good water solubility.
The idea of joining sugars to fatty alcohols dates back to the 1980s when formulators were looking for milder alternatives to traditional sulfates. By adding a carboxymethyl group to the original alkyl glucoside structure, chemists created a version that is even more water-friendly, easier to thicken and stable in a wider pH range. These advantages quickly made the ingredient popular in personal care labs around the world.
Production starts with natural fatty alcohols that are reacted with glucose in a simple acid-catalyzed process to create an alkyl glucoside. A second reaction introduces the carboxymethyl group and neutralizes it with sodium, yielding a clear, biodegradable liquid or paste that is ready for use in cosmetic formulas.
You will most often find Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside in gentle facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes, micellar waters and baby care items. It also shows up in makeup removers, shaving products and some lightweight lotions where a non-stripping cleanser or emulsifier is needed.
Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient offers two key functions in skin and hair care formulas:
- Cleansing – Lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without upsetting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin
- Emulsifying – Helps mix water with oils so creams and lotions stay smooth and stable while also improving how easily they rinse off
Who Can Use Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside
This ultra-mild surfactant suits virtually every skin type including dry, normal, combination, oily and even easily irritated or rosacea-prone skin. Because it cleans without stripping lipids it is a welcome alternative for people who find sulfates too harsh. Those with severely compromised or broken skin should still approach any cleanser with caution, but in most cases this ingredient poses very little risk of aggravation.
All the raw materials used to make Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside come from plants like coconut, palm and corn so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal byproducts are involved in its manufacture and cruelty free brands often choose it for that reason.
The compound is not known to interfere with pregnancy or breastfeeding when used topically in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Still this is not medical advice pregnant or nursing individuals should run any skin or hair product past their physician to be totally safe.
Unlike acids or retinoids the ingredient does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so no special photo-protective measures are needed beyond standard daily sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the levels typically found in cosmetics formulated by reputable brands.
- Mild skin irritation – A small percentage of users may notice redness or stinging, most often if the product is left on for prolonged periods instead of being rinsed
- Dryness or tightness – Over-cleansing or very high concentrations can temporarily disturb the moisture barrier resulting in a dry feel
- Allergic contact dermatitis – Extremely rare yet possible in individuals sensitive to the molecule or to residual processing agents
- Eye irritation – Direct contact with the eyes may cause watering or discomfort especially in higher foaming formulas
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms do not quickly improve.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside is highly water soluble and does not leave an oily or occlusive film on skin so it has virtually no tendency to block pores. It rinses away completely and is used at low levels in most formulas, which further reduces any risk of clogging.
Acne prone users can generally use products containing this ingredient without worrying about breakouts.
Because it is often combined with richer surfactants or oils in a finished product, the overall comedogenicity of a formula can vary so pore clogging potential should be assessed case by case.
Summary
Sodium Carboxymethyl C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside works primarily as a gentle cleanser and emulsifier. Its sugar part loves water while the fatty part loves oils so it surrounds grime, lifts it off skin or hair then carries it away with rinsing. The added carboxymethyl group lets it stay stable across pH ranges and improves solubility which helps formulas stay smooth and easy to thicken.
Created in the search for sulfate alternatives, it has become a quiet favorite in natural inspired shampoos, face washes and baby products thanks to its plant origin, mildness and biodegradability. It is not the flashiest ingredient on a label but formulators reach for it when they want reliable low-irritation cleansing.
All current safety data show it is low risk for irritation, allergy and pore clogging when used as directed. Still skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains it before full use.