Coco-Glucoside
Coco-glucoside is a non-ionic and very mild surfactant made by combining a fatty alcohol from coconut oil with glucose obtained from the starch of plants such as maize. It is often used in products for sensitive skin and babies, and it breaks down easily in the environment. It is generally considered low risk; rare cases of allergy have been reported.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
It is at the lower end of the range in rinse-off cleansers; it moves towards the upper end in leave-on products and for people with a known glucoside allergy.
It is often used in eco-labelled detergents; the possibility of eye irritation from concentrated products defines the upper end of the range.
What is coco-glucoside and what is it used for?
Coco-glucoside is a member of a family of surfactants called alkyl polyglucosides (APGs). Fatty alcohols obtained from coconut oil are reacted with glucose obtained from starch. The resulting molecule carries no electrical charge, meaning it is non-ionic; this means it interacts less with skin proteins and lipids, which makes it gentler.
On its own it produces a moderate amount of lather, so in formulas it is often used together with other mild surfactants such as cocamidopropyl betaine. It can also be added as a supporting ingredient to reduce the irritating effect of other cleansers.
Which products contain it?
- Baby shampoos and bath products
- Sulphate-free shampoos, facial cleansing gels and micellar waters
- Shower gels for sensitive skin and intimate washes
- Eco-friendly washing-up and multi-purpose cleaning products
On labels it may also appear together with the similar decyl glucoside or lauryl glucoside; these are substances from the same family with similar properties.
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
The CIR found alkyl glucosides, including coco-glucoside, safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Its acute toxicity is low, and it has no classification as a carcinogen, endocrine disruptor or reproductive toxicant.
It also has a favourable environmental profile: it is made from renewable raw materials and is readily biodegradable in nature. This is why it is often chosen for eco-labelled products.
The only point to watch is rare contact allergy. Cases of allergy have been reported, particularly with sunscreens and leave-on products containing decyl and lauryl glucoside. Because cross-reactions can occur between members of the family, a person allergic to one glucoside may also react to the others.
Who should be careful?
- People found to have a glucoside allergy in a patch test: They are advised to check labels for all of the names Coco-, Decyl- and Lauryl Glucoside.
- If it gets into your eyes: Although mild, in concentrated form it can irritate the eyes; rinse with plenty of water.
What to do when you see it on a label
Coco-glucoside is one of the gentlest options you can find on cleanser labels. If you experience dryness or itching with SLS or SLES, glucoside-based products can be a good alternative. The overall safety of a product, however, depends not only on the surfactant but also on the preservative and fragrance it contains, so the label needs to be assessed as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
Is coco-glucoside a sulphate?
No. Coco-glucoside is a sugar-based surfactant and contains no sulphate; it is often used in sulphate-free products.
Is it safe in baby products?
Yes, because of its gentle nature it is widely used in baby shampoos and bath products. Even so, if a baby develops redness, stop using the product and consult a doctor.
Why doesn't it lather much?
Glucosides do not produce as much lather as sulphates. The amount of lather is not a measure of cleansing power; a product that lathers less can still clean dirt effectively.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.