Heptyl Glucoside
Other names: Heptyl hexopyranoside, 2-heptoxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol
Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)
Heptyl glucoside, also known as Heptyl hexopyranoside or 2-heptoxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol, is a substance that belongs to the alkyl polyglycoside (APG) group. A number of biodegradable and environmentally friendly tensides, i.e. surfactants, bear this name. Heptyl glucoside is a colourless or yellowish oily substance with a characteristic odour. It is a non-ionic tenside, not toxic or irritating to skin and mucous membranes and does not have a negative effect on aquatic ecosystems.
Due to its remarkable properties, Heptyl glucoside is mainly used in the cosmetics industry, where it is used as an ingredient in shampoos, shower gels, shaving powders, hand creams, intimate hygiene products and cosmetic products for children. In addition, this tenside is also a component of cleaning products such as dishwashing detergents or floor cleaners. In these products it mainly acts as a cleaning and foaming agent. Other applications of Heptyl glucoside are also found in car and other motor vehicle care products, for example as a component of car body washes.