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Answer: Decyl Glucoside is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash, EWG Verified baby cleansers.
TL;DR: Decyl Glucoside is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name DECYL GLUCOSIDE. Also called Decyl Glucoside. CAS 54549-25-6.
Other names: APG (Alkyl Polyglucoside)
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash, EWG Verified baby cleansers, Attitude Baby Shampoo |
| CAS number | 54549-25-6 |
Decyl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant made by combining glucose (from starch) with decanol (from coconut oil). It belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) family, which is noted for excellent biodegradability and gentleness.
Used as a primary surfactant in gentle, natural, and baby formulations where minimal skin irritation is paramount. It also stabilizes foam and is compatible with a wide range of other cosmetic ingredients.
Decyl glucoside is among the safest cosmetic surfactants available. It has an excellent safety profile, with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is approved for use in certified organic cosmetics (COSMOS, ECOCERT). No carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, or systemic toxicity concerns have been identified. Rare contact allergic reactions have been documented but are extremely uncommon.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Decyl Glucosidewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Lauryl glucoside or coco-glucoside as structurally similar glucoside alternatives; all are in the same APG family.
Yes. Decyl glucoside is one of the recommended surfactants for baby products due to its very mild profile and natural origin. It is certified for use in organic cosmetics.
Yes. It is derived entirely from plant sources — glucose from corn or other starch, and decanol from coconut oil.
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