Heptyl Glucoside

Good

Cleansing Agent

No known benefits

Heptyl Glucoside at a glance

  • Solubilizing agent/hydrotrope surfactant
  • Does not produce a foaming effect
  • May enhance penetration of other ingredients
  • Can be created synthetically or may be plant-derived

Heptyl Glucoside description

Heptyl glucoside is created by the condensation of the fatty alcohol heptyl alcohol with glucose. It works behind-the-scenes in cosmetic formulations as a solubilizing agent/hydrotrope. Hydrotropes are surfactants (cleansing agents) that are able to enhance the water solubility of other surfactants, thus making them more effective. It is also touted for helping enhance penetration of other ingredients into skin. Heptyl glucoside may be produced synthetically or naturally via plant origins (including sugar and castor seeds). It comes as a clear liquid in raw material form. It does not produce a foaming effect, making it suitable for products such as skin care toners, gels, facial mists, etc. At the time of this writing, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has not conducted a formal safety assessment of heptyl glucoside. Currently, there is no data showing this ingredient to be of concern. Suppliers recommend usage levels between 0.1 – 15%.

Heptyl Glucoside references

  • Personal Care Products Council, Accessed January 2023, ePublication
  • UL Prospector (supplier info), Accessed January 2023, ePublication
  • ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, March 2021, pages 4,801-4,811

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.