What is Lauryl Glucoside and is it safe for your hair?

You probably noticed some shampoo brands (Silk’e included) use Lauryl Glucoside as an ingredient. What is it? Is it harmful? Is it safe? In this article, we’re giving you a short summary on this mysterious ingredient. 

What is Lauryl Glucoside exactly?

Lauryl Glucoside is a thick, sticky, yellowish substance naturally derived from palm kernel oil, coconuts, or corn. Despite its very “chemical” name, Lauryl Glucoside is completely natural and safe to use. It’s also vegan! 

What does it do in Silk’e Shampoo?

Lauryl Glucoside is a natural surfactant. Okay, this word probably doesn’t make any sense. This ingredient is able to break the surface tension of a liquid in which it’s dissolved. To be completely blunt: Lauryl Glucoside helps things to actually become clean. 

Lauryl Glucoside is one of the ingredients that are responsible for creating a foam and actually cleaning your hair. 

Is Lauryl Glucoside safe?

It’s a completely safe and natural ingredient. It’s not a carcinogen and not even a skin irritant[1]. In fact, Cosmetic Ingredient Review has deemed it safe back in 2011[2].

Sources

[1] Corazza, M., et al., “Irritant and sensitizing potential of eight surfactants commonly used in skin cleansers: an evaluation of 105 patients.” Dermatitis. 2010:21(5);262-268

[2] Cosmetic Ingredient Review

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