Decyl glucoside (CAS 68515-73-1) — Sweet Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Floral

Decyl glucoside

CAS 68515-73-1

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Decyl glucoside?

Decyl glucoside is a gentle surfactant commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and baby products. It helps create foam and cleanse without stripping natural oils. This plant-derived ingredient matters because it’s biodegradable and less irritating than traditional sulfates, making it ideal for sensitive skin formulations.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Gentle for sensitive skin
✓ Biodegradable and eco-friendly
CAS
68515-73-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Decyl glucoside Smell Like?

Decyl glucoside has a very mild, clean odor reminiscent of faint soapiness with subtle sweet undertones. It lacks strong aromatic characteristics, functioning primarily as a base for fragrance delivery rather than contributing its own scent profile.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Decyl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant produced by reacting glucose from corn starch with decanol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. This alkyl polyglucoside belongs to the sugar surfactant family, prized for its mildness and environmental profile. The synthesis involves Fischer glycosidation followed by purification steps to achieve the desired degree of polymerization.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceClear to pale yellow liquid
SolubilityWater-soluble

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Non-volatile
Blending
Functional carrier
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Cleansing Products5-15%Up to 50%Primary surfactant
Fine Fragrance0%0%Not used in perfumery

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a base for fragrance solubilization in rinse-off products.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cocamidopropyl betaine CAS 61789-40-0

Amphoteric surfactant with better foaming but higher irritation potential.

2
Sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate CAS 135889-00-8

Even milder plant-derived surfactant for ultra-sensitive formulations.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions – not a fragrance material.

RIFM Assessment

Not assessed by RIFM as it’s not a fragrance ingredient.

Sustainability

Produced from renewable plant resources (corn and coconut/palm), decyl glucoside has excellent biodegradability. However, palm-derived versions raise sustainability concerns, prompting many manufacturers to shift to coconut-based sources. The production process is relatively energy-efficient with minimal byproducts.

Explore Decyl glucoside

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Decyl glucoside PubChem

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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