Ingredient review

Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer

INCI: SODIUM BIS-HYDROXYETHYLGLYCINATE LAURYL-GLUCOSIDES CROSSPOLYMER

A mild, eco-friendly surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This ingredient is a gentle cleansing agent made from natural sugars and a modified amino acid. It helps create a nice foam in cleansers and shampoos while being very mild on the skin. Unlike harsh soaps, it cleans without stripping away your skin's natural moisture barrier. It also helps thicken the product so it has a pleasant, creamy texture.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.5Excellent

4.5/ 5

Strong fit for many routines

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source: semi synthetic
Evidence: moderate
Irritation: low
Clogging risk: low

How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Easy yes for most routines

Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer.
Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A semi-synthetic polymer surfactant created by crosslinking lauryl glucosides (derived from sugar and coconut oil) with a modified amino acid called bis-hydroxyethylglycinate. This structure makes it both water-soluble and oil-loving, so it can effectively lift dirt and oil from the skin.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this ingredient acts as a mild surfactant. Its molecules have one end that attracts water and another that attracts oil and dirt. When you lather up, it surrounds and lifts away impurities so they can be rinsed off. It also increases the viscosity (thickness) of the formula, giving it a rich, luxurious feel.

Pros

Ultra-gentle cleansing

This surfactant is one of the mildest available, making it perfect for daily use on sensitive or compromised skin without causing irritation or dryness.

Environmentally friendly

It is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources, so it has a lower environmental impact compared to many petroleum-based surfactants.

Cons and cautions

Lower foam volume

If you love a big, bubbly lather, this ingredient may not satisfy you. It produces a more modest, creamy foam that some users find less satisfying.

Higher cost

Because it is a specialized, semi-synthetic ingredient, products containing it are often more expensive than those using conventional sulfates.

Best for

People with sensitive or reactive skin
Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser
Individuals with dry or eczema-prone skin

Use caution if

Those who prefer a very high-foaming cleanser (like sulfate-based ones)

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like cleansers and shampoos for best results.

Pair with other mild surfactants to adjust foam and texture if needed.

Store products containing this ingredient in a cool, dry place to maintain stability.

Safety summary

Considered very safe for topical use. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in standard tests, with no known toxicity concerns at typical use concentrations.

Research notes

While not as extensively studied as some older surfactants, available data from safety panels and ingredient manufacturers support its mildness and biodegradability. It is widely accepted as a gentle alternative in modern formulations.

Common label clues

Typical concentration: 1-10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No known restrictions.
Common uses: Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
Environmental note: Biodegradable and derived from renewable plant sources (sugar and coconut oil), making it a more sustainable choice than many synthetic surfactants.

Good to know

This ingredient is often found in 'sulfate-free' and 'gentle' labeled products.
It is compatible with a wide pH range, making it versatile for different formulations.

Common questions

What is Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer in beauty products?

What does Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?

Is Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer safe for most people?

Considered very safe for topical use. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in standard tests, with no known toxicity concerns at typical use concentrations.

Who should be careful with Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Lauryl-Glucosides Crosspolymer?

Those who prefer a very high-foaming cleanser (like sulfate-based ones)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Safety AssessmentOpen Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep DatabaseOpen PubMed - Surfactant mildness studyOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.