What Is Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate?
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate is a plant based surfactant created by combining natural fatty alcohols from coconut or palm with glucose derived from corn or other starch rich crops. The resulting lauryl glucosides are then reacted with propylene oxide and finally sulfonated and neutralized with sodium to form a water soluble powder or liquid. This gives the ingredient its mouthful of a name plus a gentle cleansing profile many brands look for today.
Although gluocoside surfactants have been studied since the 1970s the hydroxypropylsulfonate version was introduced later as chemists searched for milder replacements for traditional sulfates. Its popularity grew alongside the clean beauty movement because it is biodegradable and produced from renewable resources.
You will often spot it in shampoos, face cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, baby wash, liquid soaps, bubble baths and even fabric care products. It is also blended into some moisturizers, exfoliating masks and make up removers where a light foaming or emulsifying action is needed without stripping the skin.
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi tasking surfactant does more than just wash away dirt
- Cleansing: Lifts oils, sweat and daily grime from skin or hair then rinses away easily leaving a fresh feel without the squeaky tight sensation harsher detergents can cause
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil ingredients mix evenly so lotions and creams stay smooth and stable during their shelf life
- Foam Boosting: Builds a rich creamy lather that consumers associate with effective cleansing making shampoos and face washes more pleasant to use
- Hydrotrope: Improves the solubility of other ingredients allowing formulators to use concentrated surfactant blends or high fragrance loads without cloudiness or separation
Who Can Use Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it cleans without stripping the skin’s protective lipids. Those with severely compromised or eczema-prone skin may still prefer very mild cream cleansers but in general the ingredient is considered low irritant even at the higher use levels found in shampoos and body washes.
It is sourced from coconut or palm fatty alcohols plus corn-derived glucose with no animal by-products so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no reproductive toxicity which means products containing it are generally regarded as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, although this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare to their routine.
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate is not known to cause photosensitivity so usual daytime sun protection practices are sufficient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the product is formulated correctly.
- Transient eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Mild skin dryness when used in very high concentrations or with hot water
- Rare cases of redness or itching in individuals with a specific surfactant sensitivity
- Scalp irritation if left on the skin for prolonged periods without rinsing
If any discomfort or irritation occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate is a fully water soluble surfactant with no oily or waxy residues so it does not linger in pores or form a film that could trap debris. Its job is to lift away oils rather than add them which places it at the lowest end of the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Because it is almost always rinsed off and used at low concentrations in leave-on formulas the risk of pore blockage remains minimal even in complex formulations.
Summary
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate cleanses skin and hair, keeps oil and water mixed, boosts foam and acts as a hydrotrope that helps other ingredients dissolve. It achieves this thanks to its plant derived glucoside head that loves water and its fatty tail that grabs onto oils allowing dirt to lift away when rinsed.
The ingredient has become popular in modern shampoos, face washes and baby cleansers as brands look for gentle sulfate alternatives sourced from renewable crops. While not as mainstream as classic sulfates it is rapidly gaining shelf space in both drugstore and luxury lines.
Current data show it to be low irritant non sensitising and non comedogenic making it safe for most users. As with any new skincare product a quick patch test is still a smart idea before full use.