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Octyldodecyl Xyloside

What Octyldodecyl Xyloside is & what it does

Octyldodecyl Xyloside is a non-ionic emulsifier made by linking the branched fatty alcohol octyldodecanol to xylose, a plant-derived sugar. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it helps blend the oil and water phases into a stable cream or lotion, and it is often paired with related alkylpolyglucoside-type emulsifiers. A notable property is that its sugar-based, mild profile makes it popular in formulas marketed as gentle.

What does Octyldodecyl Xyloside do in skincare?

Octyldodecyl Xyloside is a sugar-based, non-ionic emulsifier. In a formula it helps blend the oil and water phases into a stable, smooth cream or lotion, and it is often used in products marketed as gentle. It is a formulation aid rather than an active ingredient.

Is Octyldodecyl Xyloside natural or synthetic?

It is best described as partly plant-derived and partly synthetic. The molecule joins octyldodecanol, a fatty alcohol, to xylose, a sugar that comes from plant sources, through a manufacturing process. So the raw materials can be plant-based while the finished emulsifier is made in a lab.

Is Octyldodecyl Xyloside vegan?

It is typically considered suitable for vegan formulas, since it is built from a fatty alcohol and a plant sugar rather than animal sources. However, vegan status depends on the specific supplier and how the raw materials are obtained, so a brand's own certification is the most reliable confirmation.

Sunscreens with Octyldodecyl Xyloside

We rate 19 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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