Decoding Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside: Your Simple Guide to This Powerful and Planet-Friendly Ingredient

Decoding Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside: Your Simple Guide to This Powerful and Planet-Friendly Ingredient

Ever scanned the ingredient list of your favorite skincare or cleaning products and felt like you were reading a foreign language? You're not alone! Words like "caprylyl capryl glucoside" can seem intimidating, leaving you wondering what they are and, more importantly, what they do. If you've ever felt lost in the world of product ingredients, trying to make the best choices for your skin and home, and the planet, then this guide is for you. We're here to demystify caprylyl capryl glucoside and show you why it's actually a fantastic ingredient you can feel good about.

At Rustic Strength, we believe in transparency and using ingredients that are both effective and gentle. That's why you'll find caprylyl capryl glucoside in some of our beloved products. Let's dive in and understand why!

What Exactly Is Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside? The Basics You Need to Know

Caprylyl capryl glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from renewable plant-based raw materials, specifically fatty alcohols from coconut and palm kernel oil and glucose (sugar) from corn. Think of it as a natural helper that brings oil and water together. This makes it an excellent ingredient for cleansing products, as it helps to lift away dirt and grease without being harsh on your skin.

You might be wondering why we choose to use this ingredient. Well, caprylyl capryl glucoside is known for its gentle nature, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. It's also biodegradable, aligning with our commitment to creating environmentally conscious products.

Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside in Action: Practical Uses for Everyday Life

Now, let's get down to how caprylyl capryl glucoside works in different types of products. Whether you're focused on your personal care routine or keeping your home clean, this ingredient plays a valuable role.

For the Gentle Cleanser Seeker

If you're just starting to pay closer attention to ingredient lists and are looking for gentle options, caprylyl capryl glucoside is a fantastic sign. Its mildness makes it an ideal ingredient in products like:

  • Facial Cleansers: Look for it in formulations designed for sensitive or delicate skin. It helps to remove impurities without stripping away your skin's natural moisture barrier.
  • Body Washes and Shampoos: Its gentle cleansing action is perfect for everyday use, leaving your skin and hair feeling clean and soft, not dry or irritated. You can find it in our Rustic Strength Gentle Body Wash and Shampoo, where it contributes to a thorough yet kind cleanse.

For the Eco-Conscious Home Cleaner

Beyond personal care, caprylyl capryl glucoside is also a star player in eco-friendly home cleaning products:

  • Dish Soaps: Its ability to effectively cut through grease while being gentle on your hands makes it a wonderful addition to dishwashing liquids. You can experience this in our Rustic Strength Dish Soap, where it provides powerful cleaning without harshness.
  • All-Purpose Cleaners: Formulations containing caprylyl capryl glucoside can tackle various household messes, from kitchen countertops to bathroom surfaces. Because it's plant-derived and biodegradable, it's a more sustainable choice for keeping your home sparkling. Keep your home sparkling sustainably with Rustic Strength's Lots of Purpose Spray Cleaner.

Why Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside is a Win-Win (for You, Your Home, and the Planet!)

  • Gentle on Skin: Its non-ionic nature means it's less likely to cause irritation, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
  • Effective Cleansing: Don't let its mildness fool you; it's a powerful surfactant that effectively lifts dirt, oil, and grime.
  • Plant-Derived and Renewable: Made from coconut, palm kernel oil, and corn sugar, it's a more sustainable choice compared to some synthetic alternatives.
  • Biodegradable: It breaks down naturally, minimizing its environmental impact.
  • Enhances Product Performance: It can also help to improve the foaming and texture of products.

Environmental Profile, Safety, and Regulatory Information

  • Biodegradability: Caprylyl capryl glucoside is readily biodegradable, meaning it breaks down quickly and efficiently in the environment, reducing the potential for long-term pollution.
  • EWG Score: Generally, caprylyl capryl glucoside receives a low hazard score (typically 1-2) from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), indicating a low concern for developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies, and immunotoxicity, and use restrictions.
  • EU and Canada Approval: Yes, caprylyl capryl glucoside is approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products in both the European Union and Canada. Both regions have regulations in place to ensure the safety of cosmetic ingredients.
  • CAS Number: 68515-73-1.
  • EPA Safe List: Caprylyl capryl glucoside is not typically listed as a chemical of concern or a known environmental hazard. Its plant-derived nature and biodegradability contribute to its favorable environmental profile.

Key Takeaways: Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside Explained Simply

  • Caprylyl capryl glucoside is a mild cleanser derived from coconut, palm kernel oil, and corn sugar.
  • It's effective at cleaning without being harsh on the skin or the environment.
  • You can find it in various personal care products like facial cleansers, body washes, and shampoos.
  • It's also a valuable ingredient in eco-friendly home cleaning products like dish soap and lots of purpose cleaners.
  • Choosing products with caprylyl capryl glucoside is a gentle, effective, and sustainable choice for you and the planet.
  • It generally has a low EWG hazard score and is approved for use in cosmetics in the EU and Canada.
  • Its CAS number is 68515-73-1, and it is not typically listed as an EPA concern.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside

  1. Is caprylyl capryl glucoside safe for sensitive skin?
    Yes, caprylyl capryl glucoside is considered very mild and is often recommended for formulations designed for sensitive skin due to its non-ionic nature, which means it's less likely to cause irritation compared to some other surfactants.
  2. Is caprylyl capryl glucoside bad for the environment?
    No, in fact, it's considered environmentally friendly. It is derived from renewable plant sources and is readily biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally and doesn't persist in the environment.
  3. What is the EWG score for caprylyl capryl glucoside?
    Caprylyl capryl glucoside typically receives a low hazard score of 1-2 from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), indicating a low level of concern for potential health issues.
  4. Where does caprylyl capryl glucoside come from?
    It is derived from renewable plant-based raw materials, specifically fatty alcohols from coconut and palm kernel oil and glucose (sugar) from corn.

We invite you to do your own research! 

Scientific journals and articles are the foundation of evidence-based decisions at Rustic Strength. Blogs can provide helpful information. However, if it can not cite scientific articles, its claims stand on little. 


Why Ingredient Transparency Matters at Rustic Strength

Our mission began when our founders, Brandon and Alicia, traced their toddler’s severe allergic reactions back to “safe” household cleaners. Unable to find products that were both gentle and genuinely high-purity, they started formulating their own—free of phthalates, sulfates1,4-dioxane, and other hidden irritants.

Today, every Rustic Strength label and product page lists every ingredient—no secrets, no green-washing—so you can choose with confidence and keep harmful chemicals out of your home. See more about what we use and avoid

Our hope is that by understanding the components of our products, you can make informed decisions about what you put on your skin and in your home, ultimately avoiding a mysterious illness as our son had.

Don’t be fooled by vague marketing. Whether or not you buy from us, we urge you to read labels, research ingredients, and demand full transparency for a healthier family and planet.

Trying to reduce toxins in your home, but don't know where to start? Visit our blog How to Relieve Your Toxin Burden for easy actionable ways to begin investing in your health today.

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to our email: customercare@rusticstrength.com. We would be more than happy to answer your questions.


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