A sustainable glycolipid hydrotrope-solubilizer for cleansers and detergents

Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), based on renewable glucose and fatty alcohols, are recognized for their performance and biodegradability. Hydrotropic/solubilizing effect properties have already been identified on short-chain variants such as hexyl and ethylhexyl, but these ingredients were not fully bio-based. This study investigated the hydrotropic/solubilizing properties of eco-designed 100% bio-based heptyl glucoside, under various conditions, compared to industrial and personal care benchmarks and other short chain APGs. Foaming power was firstly evaluated at different temperatures with two static methods. Hydrotropic performance was assessed with a commonly used surfactant in the presence of high electrolyte, acid and alkali concentrations. Further trials were done using ethoxylated rapeseed oil as an oil lubricant model in electrolyte-charged aqueous solution. The solubilizing effect of hydrophobic additives such as fragrances, essential oils and vitamin E was quantified. Finally, effects on formulation preservation were screened with two natural personal care preservatives. Heptyl glucoside was found to be an effective and versatile hydrotrope for industrial applications, with additional intrinsic lubrication properties. It was also revealed as an efficient solubilizer for personal care products with the additional benefit of reducing the preservative dosage required in natural formulations. Its unusual non-foaming nature, while not disrupting the foaming capacity of surfactants, makes it suitable for all types of cleansers. The calculated carbon footprint has a low value, making heptyl glucoside a valuable ingredient combining both performance and low environmental impact.