Ingredient review
Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
INCI: Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
A gentle, polymer-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin barrier.
In plain English
This ingredient is a large molecule made from natural sugars and a phosphate group. It works as a mild cleanser that helps remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil while being very gentle on the skin. Because it is a polymer (a long chain of repeating units), it also helps thicken the product and give it a nice, silky feel. It is often used in sulfate-free cleansers for sensitive or dry skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside 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 Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic polymer derived from glucose (from corn or wheat) and phosphate. It is a crosspolymer, meaning its molecules are linked together in a network, which makes it larger and less likely to penetrate the skin.
How it works
It acts as a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Because of its large molecular size, it stays on the surface of the skin and does not penetrate, reducing the risk of irritation. It also increases the viscosity (thickness) of liquid products, giving them a luxurious, gel-like texture.
Pros
Extremely gentle on skin
Its large polymer structure means it stays on the surface and doesn't strip natural oils, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
Improves product texture
It thickens cleansers and body washes, giving them a smooth, gel-like feel that many users find pleasant and easy to spread.
Cons and cautions
Limited cleansing power
It may not fully remove heavy, waterproof makeup or long-wear sunscreen, so you might need a double-cleansing step.
Potential residue
If not rinsed well, it can leave a slight film on the skin, which some people find uncomfortable or feel it clogs pores (though it is non-comedogenic).
Best for
- People with sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free, mild cleansing products
Use caution if
- Those who need a very strong cleanser for heavy, waterproof makeup or sunscreen
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature.
Research notes
Research on this specific polymer is limited, but it belongs to a class of alkyl glucoside surfactants that are well-studied and known for their mildness and biodegradability. Studies on similar glucoside surfactants show they are gentle on the skin barrier and have low environmental impact.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5%
- 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, Micellar waters
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (glucose) and is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable surfactant option.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often found in 'sulfate-free' and 'gentle' cleansers.
- It is biodegradable and derived from plant sugars, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
Common questions
What is Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This ingredient is a large molecule made from natural sugars and a phosphate group. It works as a mild cleanser that helps remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil while being very gentle on the skin. Because it is a polymer (a long chain of repeating units), it also helps thicken the product and give it a nice, silky feel. It is often used in sulfate-free cleansers for sensitive or dry skin.
What does Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
It acts as a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Because of its large molecular size, it stays on the surface of the skin and does not penetrate, reducing the risk of irritation. It also increases the viscosity (thickness) of liquid products, giving them a luxurious, gel-like texture.
Is Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in scientific literature.
Who should be careful with Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer?
Those who need a very strong cleanser for heavy, waterproof makeup or sunscreen
Research sources
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.