Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Mild Natural Surfactant & Solubilizer
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant made from a short-chain fatty alcohol and glucose (sugar). Supplied as a liquid, it is easy to weigh and blend, and it works both as a gentle cleansing agent and as a solubilizer that helps small amounts of essential oil or fragrance disperse in water-based products. It belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) family. Its short C8–C10 chain makes it one of the gentler, more water-loving members of that family, which is why formulators reach for it in face cleansers, micellar water and sensitive-skin products.
It belongs to the alkyl polyglucoside (APG) family. Its short C8–C10 chain makes it one of the gentler, more water-loving members of that family, which is why formulators reach for it in face cleansers, micellar water and sensitive-skin products.
What it does in a formula?
- Cleanses gently: lifts oil and dirt with a soft, light lather
- Boosts and stabilises foam when combined with other surfactants
- Helps solubilise essential oils, fragrance oils and oil-soluble extracts into water-based products (results depend on the oil and ratio; test your blend)
- Improves wetting and spreading of water-based formulas
-
Supports sulfate-free formulating as a primary or co-surfactant
Note: Solubilising results depend on the oil and ratio. Always test your blend.
Where to use it
- Face wash
- Cleansing gels
- Foaming cleansers
- Micellar water
- Makeup-removing toners
- Body wash
- Shower gel
- Hand wash
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Room sprays
- Linen sprays
- Body mists
- Gentle baby-style washes
- Household and surface cleaners
For sulfate-free shampoo, it is usually combined with a co-surfactant for improved lather. For gentle baby-style washes, final product safety must be assessed separately.
Good to know before you buy
- On its own it gives a light lather and low viscosity.
- Most formulas pair it with a co-surfactant such as cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate or coco glucoside for richer foam.
- APGs do not thicken well with salt.
- Use a gum such as xanthan or sclerotium, hydroxyethyl cellulose, or a suitable thickener instead.
- The liquid is typically alkaline as supplied.
- Your finished product will usually need pH adjustment.
Recommended Usage:
| Application | Suggested Usage Level |
|---|---|
| Micellar water / cleansing toner | 1–5% |
| Face wash / cleansing gel | 5–15% (often with a co-surfactant) |
| Body wash, hand wash, shampoo | 5–20% of total surfactant blend |
| Co-surfactant / foam booster | 2–10% |
| Solubilizer for essential or fragrance oil | Start at 1 part oil : 3 parts Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, adjust by testing |
Note: Usage levels are starting guidelines. Final level should be adjusted according to the formulation, active matter and desired performance.
How to Use: Add Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside to the water phase and mix slowly to minimise excess foam. It can generally be processed at room temperature and does not normally require heating.
For Solubilising Fragrance or Essential Oils
Premix the fragrance oil or essential oil with Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside until uniform.
Add the water phase gradually while mixing gently.
If the formulation remains cloudy, increase the amount of Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside gradually and test again.
Solubilising efficiency varies depending on the oil, fragrance composition and required oil load.
INCI name: Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Important Formulation Notes - Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a surfactant and solubilizer. It is not a stand-alone emulsifier or thickener and should not be relied upon to stabilise high-oil emulsions.
This product is a cosmetic raw material and is intended for external use only in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is not intended for internal consumption or medicinal use.
- Do not ingest.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes.
All product images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual product color, texture, or packaging may vary from batch to batch.
Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered or interpreted as medical advice.
While we do not offer products for internal use, we source only high-quality, pharmaceutical or food-grade ingredients. Ingredient purity and performance are critical in cosmetic applications, just as they are in ingestible products.
Please note:
Just because two products have the same name or CAS number does not guarantee the same grade, purity, or effectiveness. Always choose trusted suppliers. Choose Purenso for premium-grade ingredients you can rely on.
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