If you regularly purchase foaming products like bubble bath and mousse, you may have wondered about an ingredient commonly found on their labels, decyl glucoside. Despite having a very unnatural sounding name, this impurity-free plant-based ingredient is derived from coconut and glucose (a combination of sugar and starch”>. It is obtained from renewable resources and it is biodegradable.
Technically, if is classified as a surfactant. Because it is non-drying and gentle, it is a good choice for skin and hair care products. It can help keep them in balance. It’s safe for sensitive skin, and is so mild that it is often used in baby products.
It is widely used for its ability to produce a stable foam that easily distributes throughout the hair. If it is used in a mousse, for example, you will find that the product foams up quickly, can be raked or combed through your curls, and then much of it is readily absorbed into the hair or dissolves when scrunched, leaving you with light hold and moisture.
It is a good ingredient choice in Curly Girl friendly products because it can be thickened with xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, polymers and other surfactants. It can also be used in combination with cocamidopropyl betaine to create a smoother foam. It is amber in color, water soluble, and has a shelf life of up to 24 or more months when stored properly.
Products that Contain Decyl Glucoside
You will find this common ingredient in many of your favorite products. Below are just a few that are known for their luxurious foaming capabilities.
Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo:
Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo is a gentle moisturizing shampoo that lathers beautifully, cleanses hair and scalp without stripping them, and smells fresh and clean. Hair is left more manageable with enhanced sheen and softness.
Honey Baby Naturals Honey Dew Hair Foam Styling Mousse:
This lavender and sugarcane oil styling mousse is perfect for your little curly. It provides light hold with maximum shine. It also helps to keep curls moisturized all day.
AG Hair Foam Weightless Volumizer:
Give those curls and waves a boost of volume with AG Hair Foam. Naturally Curl Shop reviewer, WavyLyss489, writes “I really liked this product. It was lightweight enough that it didn’t make my waves feel heavy but it also wasn’t so light that it didn’t do anything. Nothing like a happy medium! My 2nd day hair was a little crazy after sleeping on it but a little extra water and a little more foam made it good as new. It helped control my frizz and overall worked really well.”
MIZANI Foam Wrap:
This foam wrap will help give you stronger strands. It’s formulated with shea butter, monoi oil, and an anti-breakage ceramide complex. It will help keep your curls intact while providing them with the proper moisture balance.
Everyday Shea Babies & Up Bubble Bath – Lemon Lavender:
Make bath time bubble time with this gentle cleanser that will help moisturize even the driest, most sensitive skin. It has a light citrus lavender fragrance.
What products do you use that contain decyl glucoside? Let us know in the comments. For more on curly product ingredients, click here.