Ingredient review
Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer
INCI: SODIUM HYDROXYPROPYLSULFONATE LAURYLGLUCOSIDE CROSSPOLYMER
A gentle, sulfate-free cleansing polymer that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
In plain English
This ingredient is a mild cleanser made from natural sugars (glucose) and fatty alcohols (lauryl alcohol). It helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without the harshness of traditional sulfates. Because it's a large molecule (a crosspolymer), it stays on the surface and doesn't penetrate deeply, making it very gentle 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 Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside 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 Laurylglucoside 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 surfactant created by chemically linking lauryl glucoside (a sugar-based cleanser) with a sulfonate group. This structure makes it a large, mild molecule that cleans effectively without irritating.
How it works
It works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing water to mix with and rinse away sebum, dirt, and makeup. Its large polymer size prevents deep penetration into the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation or dryness.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its large molecular structure means it stays on the surface, reducing the chance of irritation or barrier disruption—ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
Sulfate-free cleansing
Provides effective dirt and oil removal without the harshness of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), helping maintain skin's natural moisture balance.
Cons and cautions
Lighter foam
Produces a less dense, creamier lather compared to sulfate-based cleansers, which some users may find less satisfying.
May struggle with heavy makeup
Its mildness means it might not fully remove waterproof or long-wear makeup without a double-cleansing step.
Best for
- People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Those looking to avoid sulfates in their cleansers
Use caution if
- Anyone who prefers a rich, foamy lather (this produces a lighter foam)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium hydroxypropylsulfonate laurylglucoside crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in routine use.
Research notes
While specific studies on this exact polymer are limited, the broader class of alkyl glucoside surfactants (like lauryl glucoside) is well-documented as mild and safe. The crosspolymer structure further reduces penetration and irritation risk.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (as part of cosmetic ingredients) and the EU CosIng database.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (glucose and lauryl alcohol) and is generally considered biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly cleansing option.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the top of ingredient lists in sulfate-free cleansers.
- It is considered biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than some traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer in beauty products?
This ingredient is a mild cleanser made from natural sugars (glucose) and fatty alcohols (lauryl alcohol). It helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without the harshness of traditional sulfates. Because it's a large molecule (a crosspolymer), it stays on the surface and doesn't penetrate deeply, making it very gentle for sensitive or dry skin.
What does Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer do in a beauty product?
It works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing water to mix with and rinse away sebum, dirt, and makeup. Its large polymer size prevents deep penetration into the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation or dryness.
Is Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer safe for most people?
Sodium hydroxypropylsulfonate laurylglucoside crosspolymer is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in routine use.
Who should be careful with Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer?
Anyone who prefers a rich, foamy lather (this produces a lighter foam)
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.