Rate My SPF

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside

What C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is & what it does

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant made by reacting fatty alcohols of 12 to 20 carbons with glucose derived from plant sugars. In cosmetic and sunscreen formulas it is commonly used as an emulsifier and mild cleansing agent, helping oil and water phases blend into a stable, uniform product. It is generally considered gentle and is often chosen for formulas aimed at sensitive skin.

What does C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside do in skincare?

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is a mild non-ionic surfactant used mainly as an emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. In creams, lotions, and sunscreens it helps blend oil and water phases into a stable, uniform product. It is often chosen for formulas aimed at sensitive skin because it is generally considered gentle.

Is C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside safe?

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is a glucoside-type surfactant that is widely used in cosmetics and generally considered safe and well tolerated at typical use levels. Surfactants of this family are often selected specifically because they are mild. As with any new product, patch testing is reasonable if your skin is easily irritated.

Is C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside natural or synthetic?

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is best described as plant-derived but processed. It is made by reacting fatty alcohols with glucose obtained from plant sugars, so its raw materials are natural while the finished ingredient results from chemical processing. This puts it in the common category of naturally derived surfactants.

Sunscreens with C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside

We rate 95 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients