What is the Difference Between Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside

Madhu

2 years ago

The key difference between coco glucoside and decyl glucoside is that coco glucoside molecule has a longer chain length, whereas decyl glucoside molecule has a shorter chain length.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Decyl Glucoside
3. What is Coco Glucoside
4. Similarities – Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside
5. Coco Glucoside vs Decyl Glucoside in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Coco Glucoside vs Decyl Glucoside

What is Coco Glucoside?

Coco glucoside is an organic compound derived from coconut, and it has the chemical formula C₁₆H₃₂O₆. Therefore, it is a naturally-derived substance and is useful as a surfactant. Generally, a surfactant is useful in reducing the surface tension of liquids and improving the washing process.

We can find this compound in different personal care products such as shampoo, soap, makeup, and laundry detergents. It is a common ingredient in these products due to its gentle, effective cleansing ability, and we can use it for skin and hair products and stabilize formulas. According to repeated patch tests, this substance rarely shows skin irritation or sensitizing effects.

Moreover, unlike decyl glucoside, coco glucoside-containing products are suitable for all skin types. Therefore, it makes an ideal addition to mild formulations for natural products that are specifically intended to treat sensitive skin. It is a biodegradable and non-toxic substance that is safe to be used in many personal care products. However, as a substitute for coco glucoside, we can use capryl glucoside in production.

What is Decyl Glucoside?

Decyl glucoside is an organic compound formed from coconut and corn starch, and it has the chemical formula C₁₆H₃₂O₆. It can be categorized as a mild, non-toxic surfactant that is useful in cosmetic formulates such as baby shampoo and other personal care products for sensitive skin. Therefore, most companies producing natural personal care products use this as a cleanser because it is a plant-derived material that is biodegradable and gentle for all hair types.

Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Decyl Glucoside

We can produce decyl glucoside through the reaction between glucose from corn starch and the fatty alcohol decanol (a component derived from coconut).

This compound is helpful in moisturizing the skin for the prevention of inflammation and itchiness. It is specifically safe to be used on sensitive skin. Usually, decyl glucoside does not cause any rashes or irritation on the skin. However, ingestion of this compound can be harmful, causing chronic hazards.

What are the Similarities Between Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside?

Coco glucoside and decyl glucoside are derived from coconut oil.
Both are useful as surfactants.
They can act as foaming agents.
Both can add viscosity to a solution.
They are important in personal care products.

What is the Difference Between Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside?

The organic compounds coco glucoside and decyl glucoside are important as surfactants and foaming agents in personal care products. The key difference between coco glucoside and decyl glucoside is that coco glucoside molecule has a longer chain length, whereas decyl glucoside molecule has a shorter chain length.

The below infographic presents the differences between coco glucoside and decyl glucoside in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Coco Glucoside vs Decyl Glucoside

Coco glucoside is an organic compound derived from coconut, and it has the chemical formula C₁₆H₃₂O₆. Decyl glucoside is an organic compound formed from coconut and corn starch, and it has the same chemical formula C₁₆H₃₂O₆. The key difference between coco glucoside and decyl glucoside is that coco glucoside molecule has a longer chain length, whereas decyl glucoside molecule has a shorter chain length.

Reference:

1. “Coco Glucoside.” Puracy, 20 Jan. 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Decyl-glucoside-2D-skeletal” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

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