Alkyl Polyglucoside 1214 (APG 1214) is a mild, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant with a solid content of more than 50.0%, produced by combining fatty alcohols (C12–C14, derived from coconut or palm kernel oil) with glucose. This Halal-certified surfactant is one of the most eco-friendly and skin-compatible cleansing agents available — biodegradable, derived from renewable raw materials, and exceptionally gentle even on sensitive skin. It produces rich, stable foam and is compatible with all surfactant types, making it a versatile base ingredient for natural and organic personal care formulations.
Applications:
- Shampoos & Hair Care (mild cleansing base for gentle and baby shampoo formulations)
- Body Wash & Shower Gel (mild foaming base for sensitive skin and natural body cleansers)
- Face Wash & Cleansers (gentle pH-balanced facial cleansing formulations)
- Baby Care (ultra-mild cleansing base for baby washes and shampoos)
Key Features & Benefits:
- Solid content >50.0% – concentrated plant-derived non-ionic surfactant
- Halal-certified – from renewable coconut/palm kernel origin
- Exceptionally mild and skin-compatible – suitable for sensitive and baby skin
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly clean-label ingredient
- Compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactant systems
What APG 1214 is
Alkyl polyglucosides are non-ionic surfactants made from glucose and fatty alcohols. APG 1214 uses C12–C14 fatty alcohols, which give good foam and mildness, and is usually labelled as lauryl glucoside or coco glucoside depending on the chain distribution. Shorter-chain grades (C8–C10, caprylyl/capryl glucoside) foam less and are used more for wetting and cleaning. Confirm the INCI name with the supplier.
Handling and formulation
APG 1214 is supplied as a concentrated aqueous paste that is alkaline as delivered, so the pH of the finished product is adjusted down, usually with citric acid. It can thicken, separate or crystallise when cold; warm it gently and mix until uniform before use. Salt does not thicken APG systems the way it thickens SLES, so polymeric thickeners or co-surfactants such as Betaine are often used. It is a common base for sulfate-free products and blends well with SLES where sulfates are acceptable.
Sourcing
The fatty alcohols come from coconut or palm kernel oil. If your customers require certified sustainable palm, ask for the supply-chain certificate.
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- Solids (active) content, pH (as supplied and in solution) and viscosity
- Free fatty alcohol and ash
- INCI name and fatty alcohol chain distribution
- Preservative used in the supplied paste, if any
- Heavy metals, as required for cosmetics under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
- Microbiology (total aerobic count, yeast and mould) for water-containing grades
- Batch number, manufacture and retest dates; safety data sheet (SDS)
