Ingredient Glossary · Non-Ionic Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
Dodecyl β-D-glucopyranoside · Alkyl Polyglucoside · CAS 59122-55-3
The gold-standard mild, plant-derived surfactant for sulfate-free cleansing. Known in Pakistan as Narm Surfactant (نرم سرفیکٹنٹ), Lauryl Glucoside is the premier choice for halal, ECOCERT-certified formulations across baby care, sensitive skin, and clean beauty.
CAS
59122-55-3
59122-55-3
Identifier
HLB
13–15
13–15
Non-Ionic
EU
Permitted
Permitted
No Restriction
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Quick Reference
At a Glance
INCI Name
LAURYL GLUCOSIDE
CAS / EINECS
59122-55-3 / 261-614-4
Formula / MW
C₁₈H₃₆O₆ · 348.48 g/mol
Physical Form
Viscous pale yellow liquid (50% active in water)
HLB Value
~13–15 (non-ionic)
pH (Undiluted)
11.0–12.0 (neutralise to 5.5–7.0 in formulation)
Solubility
Fully water-miscible; compatible with most cosmetic solvents
Halal Status
✓ Halal — 100% plant-derived (corn glucose + coconut lauryl alcohol); no animal inputs
Use Level (Rinse-off)
Shampoo / Body Wash: 15–30% · Facial Cleanser: 10–20% · Baby: 8–15%
Use Level (Leave-on)
Up to 5–8% (CIR maximum documented leave-on concentration)
EU Status
Permitted — not in Annex II, III, IV, V, or VI. No restriction.
Certifications
ECOCERT · COSMOS · CIR Safety Assessed (2013)
Urdu / Pakistan Name
نرم سرفیکٹنٹ (Narm Surfactant) · صاف کرنے والا مادہ (Saaf Karnay Wala Mada)
Shelf Life
24–36 months sealed; no refrigeration required in Pakistan
Introduction
Narm Surfactant — The Gentle Cleanser
Lauryl Glucoside is a non-ionic alkyl polyglucoside (APG) surfactant derived entirely from renewable plant-based raw materials: glucose from corn or wheat starch combined with lauryl alcohol sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. It is one of the most commercially significant mild surfactants in modern cosmetic science, found in thousands of personal care products globally including baby shampoos, sensitive skin face washes, sulfate-free hair care, and natural body washes. Unlike sulfate-based surfactants such as SLS and SLES, Lauryl Glucoside contains no ethylene oxide, no sulfate groups, and no harsh petrochemical residues.
For Pakistani formulators, Lauryl Glucoside addresses a critical and growing formulation need. The surge in domestic halal-certified personal care brands, the clean beauty movement among urban consumers aged 18–40 in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, and the rise of DIY cosmetic manufacturing have created strong demand for mild, plant-derived, sulfate-free surfactants. Lauryl Glucoside is ECOCERT and COSMOS certified, stable in Pakistan’s extreme climate conditions, and compatible with the widest range of formulation bases — enabling Pakistani brands to compete with imported products on quality while maintaining a compelling halal story.
Bio Shop™ Pakistan — Sourcing Note
Bio Shop™ stocks cosmetic-grade Lauryl Glucoside at 50% active in water, ECOCERT/COSMOS compliant, with full CoA, SDS, and Halal documentation. Imported from established international manufacturers. View product details and order at bioshop.pk.
Molecular Identity
Chemical Identification
INCI NameLAURYL GLUCOSIDE
IUPAC NameDodecyl β-D-glucopyranoside; (2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-dodecoxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol
CAS Number59122-55-3 (pure monomer); 110615-47-9 (commercial APG C10–C16)
EINECS / EC261-614-4 (pure) / 600-975-8 (commercial oligomeric)
CosIng Ref56967
Molecular FormulaC₁₈H₃₆O₆ (monomer); MW 348.48 g/mol; DP 1.0–1.5
Chemical ClassNon-ionic Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG) Surfactant — Glycoside family
Functional ClassSurfactant — Cleansing Agent; Secondary Emulsifier
Anomeric Configβ-D-glucopyranoside (predominant commercial form)
Ring SystemPyranose (6-membered cyclic glucose)
Glycosidic BondO-glycosidic ether linkage between C-1 of glucose and C-1 of lauryl chain
Synthesis RouteFischer Glycosylation — acid-catalysed condensation of lauryl alcohol + glucose; H₂O sole by-product
Natural Origin100% plant-derived: Coconut/Palm Kernel Oil (C12 alcohol) + Corn/Wheat Starch (glucose)
Urdu / Pakistan Nameنرم سرفیکٹنٹ (Narm Surfactant) · صاف کرنے والا مادہ (Saaf Karnay Wala Mada)
Quality Grades
Purity Profiles
Premium Cosmetic
50% Active — ECOCERT
International Manufacturers · Bio Shop™ Grade
Active Matter
50%
Lauryl Glucoside in water
Full CoA, SDS, ECOCERT/COSMOS certified. Pale golden viscous liquid. Ideal for all cosmetic formulation including baby, sensitive, and export-grade products.
Standard Industrial
50% Active — Non-Certified
China / Southeast Asia
Active Matter
50%
APG Surfactant (non-certified)
Meets basic quality specs but lacks ECOCERT/COSMOS certification. May have higher APHA colour. Suitable for household cleaning and non-premium cosmetic applications.
Dilute Grade
30% Active
Various Suppliers
Active Matter
30%
Lower concentration for specific uses
Pre-diluted grade for applications requiring lower viscosity. Higher water content increases shipping cost per active unit. Recalculate formulas if substituting for 50% grade.
Adulterated / Unknown
Grey Market Risk
Pakistan Grey Market
Active Matter
<30%
Diluted or SLES-adulterated product
Water-thin consistency, chemical/ethoxylate odour, and collapsed foam indicate adulteration with diluted SLES. Always request CoA. Bio Shop™ provides verified documentation with every batch.
Concentration Behaviour
Dosage Response
0.5–2% activeMild Wetting
Secondary cleansing, foam boost, solubilisation aid. Micellar water and toner applications.
2–5% activeGentle Cleansing
Effective gentle cleansing with low-medium foam. Suitable for leave-on conditioning products with caution.
5–10% activeBaby / Sensitive
Good cleansing and medium foam. Baby shampoo, gentle face wash, and sensitive scalp products.
10–20% activeFull Performance
Excellent cleansing with high foam. Standard shampoo, body wash, and foaming face wash for Pakistan urban market.
20–30% activeMaximum Foam
Premium cleansing performance. Luxury body wash, clarifying shampoo, professional salon segment.
30%+ activeIndustrial / Caution
Industrial cleaning level. Can cause irritation if not formulated correctly. Not recommended for leave-on or cosmetic application.
Functional Performance
Mechanism of Action
Primary Action · Surfactancy
Micelle Formation
Lauryl Glucoside molecules spontaneously organise into micelles upon contact with water — spherical structures with hydrophobic C12 tails pointing inward (entrapping oil-soluble dirt) and hydrophilic glucose heads pointing outward. These micelles physically encapsulate sebum, makeup, and environmental pollutants, suspending them in rinse water. CMC is approximately 0.1–0.3 mM, ensuring robust surfactant action at all cosmetic use levels.
Secondary Benefit · Skin Science
Barrier Preservation
Unlike SLS/SLES, Lauryl Glucoside does not penetrate the viable epidermis at normal use concentrations. Its larger molecular size (348 Da) and hydrophilic glucose head prevent deep skin penetration. TEWL studies confirm significantly lower barrier disruption versus sulfate surfactants. Skin glucoside hydrolases can break it down to glucose and lauryl alcohol — both naturally tolerated by human biology. Ideal for Pakistan’s melanin-rich skin types prone to PIH from irritation.
Synergistic Effect · Foam
Foam Generation
Among APG surfactants, the C12 lauryl chain delivers the highest foam volume and best detergency while retaining mildness. Combined with Coco Betaine (5–10%), foam becomes denser, creamier, and longer-lasting than either ingredient alone. Non-ionic character means full compatibility with cationic conditioning polymers (PQ-10, PQ-7, BTMS-85) — a unique advantage enabling conditioning-shampoo hybrid systems without phase separation.
Long-term Performance · Compatibility
Universal Compatibility
Stable at pH 5.0–8.0 for all cosmetic product types. Compatible with AHAs, BHAs, Niacinamide, Vitamin C derivatives, peptides, all common preservatives, and all thickener systems. The only caution is at extreme pH (<3 or >11) where gradual glycosidic bond hydrolysis occurs. Consistent use of Lauryl Glucoside-based cleansers improves long-term skin barrier function compared to SLS-based products.
Sulfate-Free
Plant-Derived
Non-Ionic
Baby-Safe
ECOCERT
Halal
Biodegradable
Cationic-Compatible
Barrier-Friendly
Low-Irritation
Formulation Lab
Three Formulas
Narm Saaf · نرم صاف
Ultra-Mild Family Body Wash · Sulfate-Free · 100g Batch
Distilled Water44.5g 44.5%
Lauryl Glucoside 50%40g 40%
Coco Betaine Liquid10g 10%
Glycerin3g 3%
Sodium Chloride0.5g 0.5%
Vitamin B5 (D-Panthenol)0.5g 0.5%
Germall Plus Liquid0.5g 0.5%
Citric Acid (50% sol.)q.s. ~0.5%
Method
Dissolve Glycerin + NaCl in water. Add Lauryl Glucoside + Coco Betaine gently. Add Panthenol + Germall Plus at room temp. Adjust pH to 5.5–6.0 with citric acid. Rich, stable foam — zero sulfates, 100% halal.
Goray Rang · گورے رنگ
Brightening Gel Face Wash · Anti-Pigmentation · 100g Batch
Distilled Water55g 55%
Lauryl Glucoside 50%28g 28%
Coco Betaine Liquid6g 6%
Niacinamide (B3)4g 4%
Sodium PCA2g 2%
Aloe Vera Extract2g 2%
Optiphen Plus Liquid0.8g 0.8%
Alpha Arbutin0.5g 0.5%
Xanthan Gum0.4g 0.4%
Citric Acid (50% sol.)q.s. ~1.3%
Method
Disperse Xanthan in water; hydrate 10 min. Dissolve Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Alpha Arbutin. Add surfactants gently. Add Aloe + Optiphen at room temp. pH 5.0–5.5. Targets Pakistan’s #1 skin concern: hyperpigmentation.
Chamak Shampoo · چمک شیمپو
Volumising Shampoo · Shampoo Base + APG · 100g Batch
Shampoo Base45g 45%
Distilled Water38g 38%
Lauryl Glucoside 50%10g 10%
Coco Betaine Liquid3g 3%
Sodium Chloride1.5g 1.5%
Panthenol (B5)1g 1%
Rosemary Essential Oil0.5g 0.5%
Germall Plus Liquid0.5g 0.5%
Polyquaternium-100.3g 0.3%
Citric Acid (50% sol.)q.s. ~0.2%
Method
Dissolve NaCl, Panthenol, PQ-10 in water. Add Shampoo Base + Lauryl Glucoside + Coco Betaine gently. Add Germall Plus + Rosemary EO at room temp. pH 5.0–5.5. APG’s non-ionic character allows PQ-10 conditioning to remain active — unique advantage over SLES-only shampoos.
Synergy Pairings
Works Best With
APG Mildness Cocktail
Foam & Viscosity Builders
Brightening & Active Combos
Conditioning Polymers (Unique APG Benefit)
Competitive Analysis
Versus Alternatives
Coco Glucoside
APG C8–C16 mixed · Non-ionic
vs. Lauryl Glucoside
Gentler but significantly less foam volume
EU Status
No restriction
Use With LG
Excellent — baby-grade blend (LG 8% + CG 5%)
Pakistan Application
Baby care; neonatal skin; atopic products
Verdict: Complement, not replacement. Combine for ultra-mild baby formulas.
SLES (via Shampoo Base)
Anionic ethoxylated sulfate · C12
vs. Lauryl Glucoside
Higher foam, much harsher; barrier-disrupting
EU Status
No restriction but under scrutiny
Use With LG
LG softens SLES system; reduces irritation
Pakistan Application
Mass market; budget shampoo; not halal-certifiable
Verdict: LG replaces SLES for premium, halal, and export-grade positioning.
Coco Betaine
Amphoteric surfactant · Co-surfactant
vs. Lauryl Glucoside
Not standalone; synergistic partner
EU Status
No restriction
Use With LG
Essential — LG 15% + CB 5% = premium shampoo base
Pakistan Application
Foam booster in every LG formula
Verdict: Not a competitor but the ideal co-surfactant partner for LG systems.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Mild anionic isethionate · Solid
vs. Lauryl Glucoside
Very mild anionic; solid form for bars
EU Status
No restriction
Use With LG
Combine in syndet bars; LG adds creaminess
Pakistan Application
Syndet bars, shampoo bars, facial bars
Verdict: Different formats. SCI for solid, LG for liquid. Combine in syndet bars.
Safety & Compliance
Regulatory Profile
Educational reference only. Consult current EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, FDA guidelines, and Safety Data Sheet before commercial formulation. This document does not constitute regulatory or legal advice.
EU Cosmetics Regulation
Fully permitted under EC 1223/2009. Not in Annex II (Prohibited), III (Restricted), IV, V, or VI. CosIng Ref 56967. No concentration limit for rinse-off. Leave-on max documented at 8% (CIR).
Pakistan DRAP / FDA
No restriction under DRAP cosmetic rules or FDA 21 CFR. Permitted cosmetic ingredient worldwide. CIR Expert Panel (2013) concluded safe for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating.
Human Safety — CIR Assessed
Not genotoxic (Ames negative), not estrogenic (MCF-7 E-screen negative at 10,000 nmol/ml), not a reproductive toxicant, not a sensitiser (LLNA negative). LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic). Safe for pregnant women, infants, elderly.
pH Handling Precaution
Undiluted 50% active material has pH 11–12. Direct contact with eyes or mucous membranes at this pH causes irritation. Always neutralise to pH 5.5–7.0 in finished products using citric acid. Wear gloves when handling undiluted concentrate.
Coconut Allergy (Rare)
Individuals with documented coconut or palm oil derivative allergies should patch test. Theoretical concern only — no documented clinical incidence at cosmetic use levels. Trace fatty alcohol from coconut is the basis of this advisory.
Environmental Profile
Readily biodegradable (OECD 301B > 60% in 28 days). Low to moderate aquatic toxicity at use dilutions. Not classified as environmentally hazardous at normal cosmetic dilution levels. ECOCERT/COSMOS certified.
Storage & Handling
Pakistan Climate Guide
Temperature
Store below 30°C ideally. Chemically stable at Pakistan summer temperatures. Viscosity decreases with heat but quality unaffected.
Container Type
HDPE drums or plastic-capped glass. Avoid uncoated metal containers — corrosion risk from pH 11–12 of undiluted material.
Light Exposure
Indirect light acceptable. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight — glucose component can develop yellow-brown colour over months.
Shelf Life
24–36 months sealed, unopened. Use within 6–12 months of opening. No refrigeration required.
Measuring
Warm gently to 30–35°C in cool weather for easier pouring. Use weight (grams) not volume due to high viscosity. Clean scoops immediately.
Pre-use Handling
Stir gently before use if settled. Check pH of raw material matches CoA spec (11–12). Always neutralise in formulation.
Lahore (May–Aug)
42–45°C extremes. Chemically stable at these temperatures. Lower viscosity is normal — easier to pump and measure. Request early-morning delivery during peak summer.
Karachi Coastal
30–38°C year-round, 75–90% RH. Humidity does not affect quality (aqueous product). Prevent condensation on container exteriors — use plastic caps to avoid metal lid corrosion.
⚠️ Adulteration Check: Genuine 50% active is distinctly viscous at room temperature. Water-thin material suggests dilution below 30% active. Foam test: 1g in 100ml water — stable, persistent foam = genuine APG; quickly collapsing foam = possible SLES adulteration. pH test: undiluted should be 11–12. Always request CoA from supplier. Bio Shop™ Pakistan provides full documentation with every batch.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Is Lauryl Glucoside halal? What is its exact synthesis origin?
Lauryl Glucoside is 100% halal. Both raw materials are entirely plant-derived: lauryl alcohol from coconut or palm kernel oil fatty acids, and glucose from corn, wheat, or potato starch. The synthesis uses acid catalysis (mineral or organic acid) with water as the only by-product. No ethanol is used in manufacturing. No animal by-products, no porcine derivatives, no animal-derived processing aids, and no fermentation-derived components appear in the finished product. Widely certified halal by JAKIM (Malaysia), HFA (UK), IFANCA (USA), and recognised by Pakistani Islamic scholars. Bio Shop™ provides Halal compatibility documentation upon request.
How do I verify purity when buying Lauryl Glucoside in Pakistan?
Request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for every batch. Check: Active Matter % (should be 48–52% for 50% grade), pH (undiluted: 11–12), APHA colour (max 300). Perform simple checks: viscosity test — genuine 50% active is significantly more viscous than water; foam test — 1g in 100ml water produces stable, fine, persistent foam; pH test on 10% dilution should be 10.5–11.5. Common grey market adulterants include diluted SLES (different odour, different foam) or simply under-concentrated product. Bio Shop™ provides verified CoA with every order.
How do I store Lauryl Glucoside in Lahore and Karachi?
No special storage required in Pakistan’s climate. Chemically stable at Lahore summer extremes (42–45°C) and Karachi coastal conditions (30–38°C, 75–90% RH). Higher temperatures reduce viscosity but do not affect quality. Store in sealed HDPE containers or plastic-capped glass; avoid uncoated metal (corrosion from alkaline pH). Protect from prolonged direct sunlight. No refrigeration required. Shelf life: 24–36 months sealed. Request early morning delivery in Lahore during May–August peak summer.
Which grade should I buy for cosmetic formulation?
Buy the 50% active cosmetic-grade, ECOCERT/COSMOS compliant — this is what Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks. All formula calculations in this guide are based on this 50% active supply grade. Do not use industrial or household cleaning grades for cosmetic products. If a supplier offers 30% or 60% active grades, recalculate all formulas accordingly. Always request ECOCERT/COSMOS certification letter for export-grade and premium branded products.
Is Lauryl Glucoside safe for Pakistani skin types?
Exceptionally well-suited to South Asian and Pakistani skin. Melanin-rich skin is prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from irritant exposure. Lauryl Glucoside’s non-irritant profile prevents the inflammatory cascades that trigger PIH — a critical advantage over SLS/SLES for darker skin types. Effective sebum removal for Pakistan’s hot, humid climate without over-stripping. Not a sensitiser (LLNA negative), not phototoxic, no allergen listing. CIR (2013) confirmed safe for all ethnic skin types.
Does Lauryl Glucoside comply with EU export regulations?
Fully compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 without restriction. Not in any restricted Annex. Not subject to EU allergen labelling. Not restricted under REACH as an SVHC. ECOCERT and COSMOS certified for natural cosmetic standards. Pakistani brands targeting EU, UK, or Gulf export markets face no regulatory obstacles with Lauryl Glucoside as an ingredient.
What are the best product formats for the Pakistani market?
Highest commercial appeal: foaming face wash (gel or foam pump, PKR 500–900) targeting urban women 18–40 with sulfate-free brightening story. Second: body wash (200ml, PKR 280–500) with family-friendly “komal” (gentle) positioning. Third: baby shampoo + body wash duo (PKR 600–900/unit) in pharmacies. Premium opportunity: bridal skin prep kits (ubtan body scrub + face wash) at PKR 700–1,200 for wedding season.
What is the connection between Lauryl Glucoside and traditional Pakistani cleansing?
Lauryl Glucoside’s plant-derived origin aligns with Pakistan’s rich desi skin care tradition: ubtan (اُبٹن) paste for bridal preparation, multani mitti (مُلتانی مِٹّی) face packs, neem (نیم) paste, and reetha (رِیٹھا) soapnut cleanser. All share one value with Lauryl Glucoside: plant-derived, gentle, and culturally pure. In Unani tradition, coconut oil (Nariyal ka Tel / ناریل کا تیل) has been used for centuries for skin purification. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised cleanliness as “half of faith” — a surfactant from coconut and corn fits naturally into halal cosmetic tradition.
Full Reference Document
Dive Deeper — Read the Complete Guide
The full Lauryl Glucoside reference document covers molecular structure diagrams, synthesis pathways, complete CIR safety data, 6 formulation pairings with detailed ratios, skin layer interaction profiles, concentration-effect tables by skin type, and a comprehensive glossary of surfactant science terms.
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