Ingredient review

Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer

INCI: SODIUM HYDROXYPROPYLSULFONATE DECYLGLUCOSIDE CROSSPOLYMER

A modern, skin-friendly thickener that helps create smooth, non-sticky textures without the irritation of older polymers.

beautyskincareviscosity controlling agent

In plain English

This ingredient is a thickener and stabilizer made from glucose (a sugar) and sulfonate groups. It helps skincare products feel silky and spread easily, while keeping ingredients like oils or powders evenly mixed. Unlike some older thickeners, it is very gentle on the skin and works well in clear or milky formulas.

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 Hydroxypropylsulfonate 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 Hydroxypropylsulfonate 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

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 synthetic polymer created by chemically modifying decylglucoside (a sugar-based surfactant) with sulfonate groups and crosslinking. It is designed to thicken water-based formulas and stabilize emulsions without the need for harsh neutralizers or high salt levels.

How it works

When added to water, the polymer chains swell and form a network that increases the viscosity (thickness) of the product. This network also traps oil droplets and solid particles, preventing them from separating. The sulfonate groups help the polymer remain effective across a wide pH range and in the presence of salts.

Pros

Gentle on skin

Unlike some traditional thickeners (e.g., carbomers), this polymer does not require high neutralization pH adjustments, reducing the risk of irritation.

Versatile texture

It can create everything from lightweight serums to rich creams, and works well with both clear and opaque formulas.

Cons and cautions

Not for water-free products

This ingredient requires water to swell and thicken, so it cannot be used in anhydrous balms or oils.

Sensitive to high salt

If a formula contains a lot of salt (e.g., from certain active ingredients), the thickening effect may be reduced.

Best for

Anyone looking for a gentle thickener in cleansers or serums
People with sensitive or reactive skin who want non-irritating textures

Use caution if

Those using strictly water-free (anhydrous) formulations
Formulators working with extremely high electrolyte systems

Usage tips

Add to the water phase before adjusting pH for best thickening

Use at 0.5–2% for light serums, 2–5% for thicker gels or creams

Combine with other polymers for enhanced suspension of powders or beads

Safety summary

Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has very low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.

Research notes

While not extensively studied in human clinical trials, the ingredient's chemistry is well-understood. Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels have concluded it is safe at typical use concentrations. Its gentle profile is supported by its use in sensitive-skin formulations.

Common label clues

Typical concentration: 0.5% to 5%
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including the EU, USA, and Japan. No known restrictions.
Common uses: Cleansers, Serums, Lotions, Sunscreens
Environmental note: Made from renewable glucose sources and designed to be biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to some petroleum-based thickeners.

Good to know

This polymer is often used in 'clean' or 'gentle' skincare because it is derived from renewable glucose and is biodegradable.
It is compatible with a wide range of preservatives and active ingredients.

Common questions

What is Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer in beauty products?

What does Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?

Is Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer safe for most people?

Who should be careful with Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer?

Those using strictly water-free (anhydrous) formulations Formulators working with extremely high electrolyte systems

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Safety AssessmentOpen Personal Care Products Council - Ingredient DatabaseOpen PubChem - Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decylglucoside CrosspolymerOpen

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.