Cetearyl Glucoside
Also known as: Cetearyl Glucoside, alkyl glucoside, alkyl polyglucoside
Overview
Cetearyl Glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier widely utilized in cosmetic and topical formulations. It is derived from natural sources, specifically cetearyl alcohol (a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) and glucose, typically obtained from plant-based materials like corn or coconut sugar. Its primary function is to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and act as a mild cleansing agent. Known for its gentle nature, biodegradability, and skin-friendly properties, it is a popular ingredient in 'natural' and 'eco-friendly' personal care products. While extensively evaluated for safety in cosmetic applications by bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, there is limited to no clinical research supporting its use or systemic effects as a dietary supplement ingredient. Its benefits are primarily related to formulation science, enhancing product stability and feel, rather than providing direct physiological benefits when ingested.
Benefits
As a cosmetic ingredient, Cetearyl Glucoside offers several benefits, primarily related to its function as an emulsifier and mild surfactant. Its main advantage is effective emulsification, stabilizing oil-in-water formulations, which contributes to product consistency and texture. It also acts as a mild surfactant, allowing for gentle cleansing with a low potential for skin irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Some studies suggest it does not significantly penetrate the skin and is not associated with reproductive or developmental toxicity. However, it may influence the skin permeation of other compounds within a formulation. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin and is often incorporated into hypoallergenic formulations. Despite its mildness, caution is advised for individuals with atopic dermatitis due to a potential for allergic cross-reactivity with other alkyl glucosides. There are no quantified clinical effect sizes for systemic benefits, as its role is purely topical and formulation-dependent.
How it works
Cetearyl Glucoside functions primarily as a surfactant and emulsifier by reducing the surface tension between immiscible oil and water phases. This action allows for the formation and stabilization of emulsions, preventing the separation of ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Its mechanism is physical rather than biochemical; it does not interact with specific molecular targets within the body. When applied topically, it acts predominantly on the skin surface, with minimal systemic absorption. This low skin penetration means it has negligible systemic bioavailability and does not interact with internal body systems or biological pathways in a significant way. Its role is to facilitate the physical properties of a product, such as texture and stability, rather than to exert a physiological effect.
Side effects
Cetearyl Glucoside is generally considered safe for cosmetic use when formulated at non-irritating concentrations, as affirmed by the CIR Expert Panel. Common side effects are rare, but some individuals may experience mild skin irritation, particularly if they have compromised skin barriers or pre-existing sensitivities. The most notable uncommon side effect is allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which, while rare, has been reported, especially in individuals with atopic dermatitis or those with occupational exposure to alkyl glucosides. Cross-reactivity with other alkyl glucosides (e.g., decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside) is possible. Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Due to its minimal systemic absorption, there are no known systemic drug interactions. Contraindications include a known allergy or sensitivity to alkyl glucosides. Special consideration should be given to children with atopic dermatitis and individuals with a compromised skin barrier, as these populations may have an increased risk of sensitization and developing ACD.
Dosage
Cetearyl Glucoside is not used as a dietary supplement, and therefore, there are no established oral dosage guidelines. Its application is exclusively topical, primarily in cosmetic and personal care formulations. In these products, it is typically incorporated at concentrations ranging from 1% to 10%. Common cosmetic formulations, such as creams and lotions, often utilize Cetearyl Glucoside at concentrations of 1% to 5% for effective emulsification and stabilization. There is no maximum safe dose established for systemic intake, as it is not intended for ingestion. Safety assessments indicate no significant toxicity at typical cosmetic use levels. For topical application, continuous use is considered safe provided the formulation is non-irritating to the individual. It is often combined with cetearyl alcohol and other emulsifiers to optimize its performance in a product. Its low skin penetration means that its presence in a formulation primarily affects the physical properties of the product and can influence the permeation of other active ingredients.
FAQs
Is cetearyl glucoside safe for sensitive skin?
Generally, yes, it is considered mild and suitable for sensitive skin. However, individuals with atopic dermatitis may have an increased risk of sensitization and should use products containing it with caution.
Can it cause allergic reactions?
While rare, allergic contact dermatitis can occur, especially in sensitive individuals. Cross-reactivity with other alkyl glucosides is possible, so those with known sensitivities should be aware.
Does it penetrate the skin?
No, Cetearyl Glucoside has minimal skin penetration. It primarily acts on the skin surface as an emulsifier and surfactant, with negligible systemic absorption.
Is it suitable for children?
It can be used in children's products, but caution is advised for children with atopic dermatitis due to a potentially increased risk of allergenicity in this population.
Is it an active supplement ingredient?
No, Cetearyl Glucoside is not a nutritional supplement ingredient. It is primarily used as an excipient in cosmetic formulations for its emulsifying and surfactant properties.
Research Sources
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/decylg122011FRx.pdf – This safety review by the CIR Expert Panel concluded that cetearyl glucoside and related alkyl glucosides are safe for cosmetic use at non-irritating concentrations. The assessment was based on toxicology data from animal and human studies, indicating no genotoxicity or reproductive toxicity, providing a high-quality safety assessment.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18937361/ – This experimental study investigated the impact of topical vehicles, including cetearyl glucoside-based emulsions, on drug permeation. It found that cetearyl glucoside-based emulsions form stable colloidal structures and that the vehicle composition can affect drug permeation and skin barrier function, highlighting its role in formulation science.
- https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/cetearyl-glucoside/ – This source provides general information on Cetearyl Glucoside, confirming its use as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It aligns with the CIR safety assessment, emphasizing its safety for topical application when properly formulated.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9112390/ – This review on contact allergens identified alkyl glucosides, including cetearyl glucoside, as potential causes of allergic contact dermatitis. It noted that sensitization is more common in sensitive populations and that cross-reactivity among alkyl glucosides is frequent, providing high relevance for dermatological considerations.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.14812 – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on glucoside allergies in children, particularly those with atopic dermatitis. It concluded that there are increased sensitization rates to alkyl glucosides in this population, underscoring the clinical relevance of potential allergenicity in vulnerable groups.
