Gentle Cleansing, Done Right
Scary-looking names. Thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
Decyl Glucoside (and) Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate may look intimidating on an ingredient label, but this pairing is actually one of the gentlest, most skin-respecting ways to cleanse the skin.
Once you understand what these ingredients do—and just as importantly, what they don’t do—they’re easy to feel good about. I think of this combination as a gentle cleansing system, because that’s exactly how it behaves.
What Is Decyl Glucoside (and) Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate?
This ingredient is a blend of two mild, palm-free cleansing agents (also called surfactants):
- Decyl Glucoside – a gentle cleanser derived from plant sugars that helps lift away dirt and oil without stripping the skin
- Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate – a skin-conditioning cleansing agent made from fatty acids and lactic acid that helps support the skin barrier while cleansing
Together, they clean the skin effectively while helping it stay comfortable and balanced.
In plain terms: they cleanse without leaving skin tight, dry, or stressed.
Why Does It Have Such a Complicated Name?
Cosmetic labels follow INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) rules, which require ingredients to be listed by their standardized names rather than by friendly or marketing names.
Decyl Glucoside (and) Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate looks technical on paper, but it simply describes what the ingredients are made from—not how harsh they are.
Long names don’t mean harsh ingredients. In this case, they mean transparency.
Why I Chose This Cleansing System
Cleansing is one of the easiest places for skincare to go wrong—especially for sensitive or maturing skin. Too harsh, and the skin barrier suffers. Too aggressive, and skin never quite feels comfortable.
I chose this blend because it strikes a beautiful balance. It removes daily buildup and impurities while respecting the skin’s natural moisture and barrier function.
It also plays well with botanical extracts and soothing actives, allowing them to do their work without being overshadowed by aggressive surfactants.
Is It Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin?
Yes. Both Decyl Glucoside and Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate are considered mild, non-stripping surfactants and are commonly used in formulas designed for sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin.
They don’t create that squeaky-clean feeling that often signals over-cleansing. Instead, skin feels clean, comfortable, and ready for the rest of your routine.
Our Ingredient Standards
Every product I make is:
- 100% vegan
- Palm oil free
- Free of silicones
- Free of petroleum-derived ingredients
- Free of synthetic fragrance
- Free of unnecessary fillers or harsh additives
This cleansing system aligns seamlessly with those standards—effective, gentle, and thoughtfully chosen.
Where You’ll Find It at Fanciful Fox
You’ll find this gentle cleansing system in products designed to cleanse without stripping, including:
- Botanic Balance Face Wash – for balanced, everyday cleansing
- Graceful Glow Face Wash – for sensitive or maturing skin
- Super Clean Face Wash – for skin that prefers a softer cleanse
The Takeaway
Decyl Glucoside (and) Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate may look intimidating on an ingredient list, but their purpose is refreshingly simple: cleanse gently, respect the skin, and leave it better than they found it.
Good cleansing doesn’t need to feel aggressive. It should feel quietly effective.