Lauryl Glucoside

What it does

A mild non-ionic cleanser made by joining a fatty alcohol to glucose. In shampoos it works alongside harsher surfactants, softening them and helping the foam.

Benefits

Low irritation potential for a cleanser, which is why it is often used to make sulfate bases gentler.

Concerns & Risks

Mild, but a recognised contact allergen: in North American patch testing about 2% of patients reacted to decyl or lauryl glucoside, most often from hair and personal-care products, and the two frequently cross-react.