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PALM KERNEL/COCO GLUCOSIDE.

Valuable CAS - / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING

PALM KERNEL/COCO GLUCOSIDE is a mild, non-ionic surfactant originating from renewable resources like palm kernel/coconut oil fatty alcohols and plant-derived glucose. It effectively cleanses skin and hair, boosts foam, and emulsifies formulations while offering conditioning benefits.

Surfactant/Cleansing Foam Booster Emulsifying Skin Conditioning Hair Conditioning

Science

This ingredient functions by significantly lowering the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the integration of immiscible oil and water phases. This action enables the gentle lifting and removal of impurities from the skin and hair, preserving the natural moisture barrier. It concurrently acts as a robust foam booster, generating a luxurious, stable lather, and serves as an effective emulsifier to stabilize product formulations. Furthermore, it imparts conditioning properties, helping to soothe, hydrate, and maintain the skin's integrity by reducing potential irritation or dryness.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 2–40%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated superior micellar extraction efficiency at concentrations of 1% to 4% for recovering phenolics and anthocyanins from red grape pomace, indicating strong surfactant capability.
  2. 02 Effectively incorporated into leave-on cosmetic products at concentrations up to 2%, and rinse-off formulations up to 15%.
  3. 03 Widely utilized in foaming care products such as shower gels and shampoos with typical dosages ranging from 3% to 30%, with general formulation recommendations extending up to 40%.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
40%
Red flag below
40%

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Coco-Glucoside, alongside other alkyl glucosides, safe for use when formulated to be non-irritating. While recommended usage can extend up to 40% in formulations, exceeding this threshold or improper formulation at high concentrations could potentially lead to irritation in rare cases, necessitating careful consideration during product development.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits excellent stability within a broad pH range of 5.5 to 12.0, performing optimally in neutral to alkaline environments. However, it undergoes hydrolysis into sugar and fatty alcohol moieties in strong acid solutions, compromising its integrity. The raw material is typically highly alkaline (around pH 12), conferring self-preserving properties, and any initial cloudiness resolves when the pH is adjusted below 7. In finished cosmetic products, it is customarily diluted and pH-adjusted to a skin-compatible range for optimal performance and comfort.

Conflicts

  • strong acid solutions (leading to hydrolysis)
  • methylene bis-benzotriazolyl (MBBT) (potential for irritation)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
40%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has affirmed the safety of Coco-Glucoside and related alkyl glucosides, provided they are formulated to be non-irritating. It is widely recognized as a gentle, non-toxic ingredient with a low potential for eye irritation or comedogenicity. While typically well-tolerated across all skin types, rare instances of irritation have been reported, making a preliminary patch test advisable for individuals with particularly sensitive skin.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

PALM KERNEL/COCO GLUCOSIDE is a valuable, gentle, and highly versatile surfactant that effectively cleanses, foams, and conditions across a wide array of precision skincare and haircare formulations.


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