Alkylpolyglucosides in cosmetics
Surfactants (or surfactants) have been actively used in industry for a long time. They are used in a variety of industries: from cosmetics to agriculture. Moreover, non-ionic surfactants are in greatest demand, as they are the softest and most harmless. It is to this class that alkyl polyglucoside belongs. The natural base makes it comply with international safety standards and allows it to be used for the production of care products for adults and children. More details about how alkyl polyglucoside is used, what it is and what types exist – Let’s just tell you now.
What is an alkyl polyglucoside
This is the name for non-ionic biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants with low foaming rates.
Alkyl polyglucosides are produced on the basis of sugars (maltose or glucose) and vegetable oils (palm, coconut). Natural origin makes these substances safe for the environment and humans. For this reason, non-iogenic surfactants are most in demand in cosmetics, since they are suitable for any skin type.
Main properties of APG and characteristics
The natural origin gives APG a number of distinctive features. First of all, it is environmentally friendly, which allows the use of such surfactants in the production of organic and vegan cosmetics. Also, if we talk about the properties of alkyl polyglucoside, it is worth noting:
- Softness – such surfactants do not cause irritation on the skin and mucous membranes, provide gentle cleansing, and do not disrupt the lipid barrier.
- Good foaming. APGs create stable foam in any water, including hard water, regardless of temperature.
- Hypoallergenic. The absence of active allergenic components allows the use of products with APG even for people with sensitive skin and children.
- Compatible with many other surfactants: cationic, anionic and nonionic. Therefore, APGs are convenient for use in complex formulas.
- Biodegradability. Surfactants based on alkyl polyglucoside do not pollute nature; in the natural environment they decompose into organic components.
- No toxic effect.
In addition, alkyl polyglucoside is characterized by resistance to temperature and pH. They remain stable in water of any hardness, both cold and hot. And also – There are different types of APGs. They differ in origin and purpose.
Types of alkyl polyglucosides
The production of APG has been developing for a long time, and several varieties of such surfactants are produced in the industry. The most common ones are:
- Lauryl Glucoside
- Decyl Glucoside.
- Cetyl Glucoside.
They differ in properties: foaming, detergency and viscosity. The differences are due to the length of the hydrocarbon chain in their formula (C8-C16). Actually, the features of the use of these APGs depend on these properties.
Lauryl glucoside
It is produced from glucose and lauric acid. A characteristic feature of the product is viscosity. It is used as a foaming enhancer for other types of surfactants.
Lauryl glucoside is included in gels, shampoos, and cleansing creams.
Decyl glucoside
It is made from glucose and coconut oil. This substance is a very mild surfactant. Decyl glucoside foams well, provides excellent cleansing and does not cause irritation.
This type of alkyl polyglucoside is used in the production of shower gels, shampoos, and cleansers.
Cetyl glucoside
Hexadecyl Glucoside is a derivative of glucose and cetyl alcohol. It acts as an emulsifier and conditioning agent for the production of various creams, lotions, and emulsions. A characteristic feature of this type of APH can also be called a decrease in transepidermal water loss of the skin (TEWL).
The first two types of APG are quite similar; the difference between lauryl glucoside and decyl glucoside is the viscosity of the structure. Lauryl glucoside is more viscous, which is why it is often used as an enhancer for other surfactants.
Where is alkyl polyglucoside used
First of all, APGs are widely used in the production of cosmetics and household chemicals. As natural surfactants for sensitive skin, they do not cause irritation, drying or peeling of the epidermis. And also – they are safe, environmentally friendly and suitable for all skin types. However, let’s look separately at each industry where alkyl polyglucoside is used:
In cosmetics
Alkyl polyglucoside is most widely used in cosmetics. Due to its soft formula, it does not dry out the epidermis, does not cause irritation, and does not disrupt the lipid barrier. It is used in production:
- face care products: foams and gels for washing, lotions;
- shampoos and hair balms;
- children’s cosmetics;
- vegan and eco-cosmetics.
APG-based products are non-toxic and do not cause allergies, which makes them possible for use by people with sensitivity to irritants. Moreover, they provide high-quality cleansing, effectively remove impurities from the skin and are easily washed off, so they are convenient to use.
In household chemicals
The natural detergent base allows the use of alkyl polyglucosides for the production of various products, including environmentally friendly ones:
- for washing and cleaning;
- for washing (gels, powders);
- for washing dishes;
- universal compositions for professional and home use.
Such surfactants – It is a biodegradable detergent. They do not have a detrimental effect on the skin of the hands, are not harmful to the respiratory system, do not pollute the atmosphere and indoor air, and have a negative effect on the respiratory system, like many professional ingredients. What else is important – products based on alkyl polyglucosides effectively clean various surfaces: furniture, walls, floors. They remove dirt, but do not harm coatings and provide gentle care.
In industry
Alkypolyglucosides are used in various industries:
- food – for washing equipment;
- agricultural sector – as an adhesive and wetting agent in the production of pesticides;
- medical and HoReCa – for cleaning and disinfectants;
- in metallurgy and textile industry – for the production of cleaning and wetting compositions, etc.
In general, such surfactants have found application in various industries, which clearly indicates their practicality, versatility and effectiveness.
Advantages over other surfactants
Alkyl polyglucosides are primarily characterized by low foaming. This property does not affect cleaning capabilities in any way. On the contrary, alkyl polyglucosides are used to produce products for removing stubborn stains and grease. Detergent compositions based on APG act as a highly effective degreaser, and a small amount of foam allows them to be used in confined spaces: dishwashers and washing machines.
APG is also characterized by chemical stability. Such surfactants do not oxidize and do not change properties upon contact with other components.
Alkyl polyglucosides are produced in different compositions: Simulsol SL and Simulsol AS, which differ in the type of APG and the concentration of the active substance. This variety of formulas allows you to select the most effective surfactant option depending on the tasks and needs of different areas of industry and production.
