Butyl glucoside is a chemical compound, alkyl glucoside derived from the condensation of butylic alcohol with glucose. The non-glucose residue is a butyl group, which is an alkyl group with four carbon atoms. The butyl group is attached to the glucose molecule via a glycosidic bond.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses the skin without exploiting surfactant properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

Safety

The Expert Group on Cosmetic Ingredient Control (CIR) evaluated the safety of 19 alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics and concluded that these ingredients are safe in current use practices and concentrations when formulated to be non-irritating. Most of these ingredients function as surfactants in cosmetics, but some have additional functions such as skin conditioning agents, hair conditioning agents or emulsion stabilisers. The Panel reviewed the available animal and clinical data on these ingredients. As glucoside hydrolases in human skin are able to break down these ingredients to release their respective fatty acids and glucose, the Panel also reviewed CIR reports on the safety of fatty alcohols and were able to extrapolate from previous data to support their safety (1).

CAS   5391-18-44, 1444-57-9

EC number    226-387-8

References_______________________________________________________________________

(1) Fiume MM, Heldreth B, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler D, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Safety assessment of decyl glucoside and other alkyl glucosides as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2013 Sep-Oct;32(5 Suppl):22S-48S. doi: 10.1177/1091581813497764