Quick Search
Glucam DOE-120 is a multifunctional, non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from the esterification of methylglucose, a sugar-based polyol, with oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid obtained from renewable vegetable oils.
As an oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier, Glucam DOE-120 reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases, ensuring long-term stability, homogeneity, and resistance to separation even in demanding formulations.
Thanks to its biodegradability, non-irritating profile, and plant-based origin, Glucam DOE-120 is a popular choice in eco-friendly, natural, and clean-label formulations designed to meet rising consumer demand for sustainable and safe ingredients.
CAS Number: 356006-19-0
EC Number: 617-932-4
Molecular Formula: C43H80O8
Molecular Weight: ~708 g/mol
Synonyms: Methylglucose Dioleate, Methyl Glucose Dioleate (INCI), Methylglucoside Dioleate, Methyl D-glucopyranoside Dioleate, Methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside Dioleate, Oleic Acid, Ester with Methyl Glucoside (2:1), Methylglucoside di-(9Z-octadecenoate), (9Z)-Octadecenoic acid, ester with methylglucoside (2:1), Methylglucoside Oleate Ester, Dioleate of Methylglucoside, Methylglucose di-C18:1 Ester, Glucopyranoside, methyl-, dioleate, Methylglucoside Fatty Acid Ester (dioleate), Sugar Ester Dioleate, Carbohydrate Fatty Acid Ester (C18:1), Methylglucoside Oleyl Ester, Polyol Fatty Acid Ester (methylglucoside–oleic acid), Methylglucose Di-(cis-9-octadecenoate), Methylglucose Long-Chain Fatty Acid Ester, Nonionic Surfactant Methylglucose Dioleate, Vegetable Oil Derived Methylglucoside Ester, Carbohydrate-Based Surfactant Dioleate, Methylglucoside Dioxide Ester, Methylglucose Oleyl Diester, Alkyl Polyglucoside Ester (C18:1, diester), Methylglucoside Oleic Acid Diester, Emulsifier Methylglucose Dioleate, Thickener Methylglucoside Dioleate, Methylglucoside Diester with Oleic Acid, Dioleyl Ester of Methylglucose, Methylglucose Lipophilic Ester, Amphiphilic Sugar Ester Dioleate, Biobased Sugar Ester (methylglucoside + oleic acid), Renewable Surfactant Dioleate, Plant-Derived Methylglucose Dioleate, Green Emulsifier Dioleate, Eco-friendly Methylglucose Ester, Bio-derived Polyol Fatty Acid Ester, Sugar Surfactant Methylglucose Dioleate, Oleic Acid Methylglucoside Diester, Fatty Acid Sugar Ester Dioleate, Glucose-Based Surfactant Dioleate, Carbohydrate-Derived Nonionic Surfactant, Methyl-D-glucopyranoside di-(oleate), Fatty Ester of Methylglucoside, Methylglucoside (di-C18:1) Ester, Cosmetic Emulsifier Methylglucose Dioleate, Lubrizol Glucamate® DOE-120 (trade name), PEG-free Sugar Ester Dioleate, Oleyl Sugar Ester (methylglucose derivative)
Glucam DOE-120 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier obtained by esterifying methylglucose, a sugar derivative, with oleic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid derived from vegetable oils.
Glucam DOE-120 typically appears as a pale yellow to amber, viscous liquid with a mild odor and is recognized for its excellent emulsifying, thickening, and skin-conditioning properties.
With the INCI name Methyl Glucose Dioleate, it belongs to the family of methyl glucose esters and is widely used in cosmetics and personal care formulations, including creams, lotions, hair conditioners, and cleansing systems.
Functionally, Glucam DOE-120 acts as an oil-in-water emulsifier, stabilizing emulsions, enhancing viscosity, and contributing to a smooth, rich texture.
Glucam DOE-120's mildness, biodegradability, and plant-based origin make it especially attractive for natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly formulations.
Beyond its role as an emulsifier, Glucam DOE-120 provides moisturization and improved spreadability, making it a preferred ingredient in leave-on skin care products and hair care systems where both performance and consumer safety are priorities.
Glucam DOE-120 is a multifunctional, non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from the esterification of methylglucose, a sugar-based polyol, with oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid obtained from renewable vegetable oils.
Glucam DOE-120 is typically supplied as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid with a mild, characteristic odor and belongs to the broader family of methyl glucose esters, which are highly regarded for their mildness, versatility, and skin compatibility.
As an oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier, Glucam DOE-120 reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases, ensuring long-term stability, homogeneity, and resistance to separation even in demanding formulations.
In addition to emulsification, Glucam DOE-120 contributes to viscosity building, thickening, and texture enhancement, providing creams and lotions with a rich, luxurious feel and improving the spreadability of emulsions on skin and hair.
Widely used in personal care and cosmetic applications such as facial creams, body lotions, conditioners, cleansing products, and baby care formulations, Glucam DOE-120 also functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient, imparting softness, moisturization, and a smooth after-feel.
Thanks to its biodegradability, non-irritating profile, and plant-based origin, Glucam DOE-120 is a popular choice in eco-friendly, natural, and clean-label formulations designed to meet rising consumer demand for sustainable and safe ingredients.
Beyond cosmetics, Glucam DOE-120 is valued in specialty applications where gentle but effective emulsification and stability are required, making it a versatile and multifunctional ingredient that bridges technical performance and consumer well-being.
Market Overview of Glucam DOE-120:
The global methyl glucose market, of which Glucam DOE-120 is a leading derivative, was valued at approximately USD 0.14 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 0.26 billion by 2033, marking a steady CAGR of around 6.7%.
Additional estimates place the market value at about USD 1.2 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting expansion to USD 2.1 billion by 2033, reflecting an even stronger 7.3% CAGR.
Asia-Pacific, driven by rising demand for personal care and cosmetic products, accounted for approximately USD 63 million in 2023, with expectations to nearly double to USD 114 million by 2032.
Among the methyl glucose derivatives, Glucam DOE-120 is forecast to be a leading product type, especially in the personal care segment.
Another notable variant, PEG‑120 methyl glucose dioleate, commands a sizable sub-market—estimated at USD 150 million in 2024, and expected to reach USD 250 million by 2033 at a 6.5% CAGR.
The growth in demand is fueled by increasing consumer preference for natural, mild, and biodegradable ingredients—attributes that Glucam DOE-120 offers—particularly in skincare, hair care, and baby products.
The personal care and cosmetics industry remains the major application segment, while pharmaceutical and eco-conscious markets also contribute to rising demand.
Uses of Glucam DOE-120:
Glucam DOE-120 is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products as a multifunctional non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, and skin-conditioning agent.
In skin care formulations such as creams, lotions, serums, and baby care products, Glucam DOE-120 acts as an oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier, stabilizing formulations while enhancing viscosity and providing a smooth, rich texture.
In hair care products including conditioners, shampoos, and styling creams, Glucam DOE-120 improves detangling, softness, and spreadability while supporting mild cleansing systems.
Due to its emollient and moisturizing properties, Glucam DOE-120 is often incorporated in leave-on applications to impart a silky feel and improve hydration.
In cleansing products like facial washes and body washes, Glucam DOE-120 functions as a thickener and foam stabilizer, ensuring a creamy texture and enhancing the sensory profile.
Glucam DOE-120's biodegradability and natural origin make it especially attractive in eco-friendly, clean-label, and natural formulations, where consumer demand for safe, mild, and sustainable ingredients is strong.
Beyond cosmetics, Glucam DOE-120 also finds use in pharmaceutical creams, ointments, and dermatological formulations, where its mildness and stabilizing properties make it suitable for sensitive skin.
This versatility across emulsification, thickening, moisturization, and eco-friendly performance ensures Glucam DOE-120 remains a preferred ingredient in modern formulation science.
Glucam DOE-120 is a highly versatile non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, and skin-conditioning agent with a wide range of applications across cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
In skin care formulations such as face creams, body lotions, sunscreens, serums, and baby care products, Glucam DOE-120 functions primarily as an oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier, providing long-term emulsion stability while enhancing viscosity and contributing to a rich, smooth, and luxurious texture.
Glucam DOE-120's emollient nature also delivers skin-softening benefits and improved hydration, making it a key component in leave-on products that require both performance and consumer comfort.
In hair care systems like conditioners, shampoos, hair masks, and styling creams, Glucam DOE-120 improves detangling, softness, and manageability while reducing static and enhancing smoothness.
Glucam DOE-120 also acts as a mild co-surfactant in cleansing systems, supporting foam stabilization and imparting a creamy feel without stripping natural oils, which makes it particularly suitable for gentle or sulfate-free hair products.
In cleansing applications such as facial washes, body washes, and liquid soaps, Glucam DOE-120 serves as a thickener, viscosity modifier, and foam enhancer, improving formulation aesthetics and sensory performance while maintaining mildness for daily use.
Glucam DOE-120's compatibility with a broad range of surfactants allows formulators to adjust texture and stability according to product needs.
Beyond cosmetics, Glucam DOE-120 is also used in pharmaceutical and dermatological preparations including ointments, medicated creams, and topical emulsions, where it provides a mild, non-irritating emulsification system that is safe for sensitive and compromised skin.
Thanks to its biodegradability, plant-based origin, and clean-label positioning, Glucam DOE-120 is increasingly chosen for natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable product lines, aligning with consumer demand for greener formulations.
Glucam DOE-120 is especially favored in brands targeting organic certification standards and products marketed as free from harsh chemicals.
This combination of functional versatility (emulsification, thickening, conditioning, moisturizing) and sustainability advantages ensures that Glucam DOE-120 remains a preferred ingredient across modern cosmetic science, green formulations, and dermatological applications.
Benefits of Glucam DOE-120:
Glucam DOE-120 provides a unique balance of functional performance, sensory enhancement, and sustainability, making it highly valued in modern formulations.
One of Glucam DOE-120's main benefits is its ability to act as a mild and effective oil-in-water emulsifier, delivering long-term emulsion stability even in complex systems.
This ensures that creams, lotions, and conditioners remain homogeneous during storage and use, reducing the risk of phase separation.
In addition, Glucam DOE-120 functions as a viscosity builder and thickener, enabling formulators to achieve luxurious, rich textures without the need for synthetic stabilizers.
From a sensory perspective, Glucam DOE-120 provides a soft, silky after-feel on the skin and hair, enhancing moisturization and spreadability.
Glucam DOE-120 improves the glide of lotions and creams, reduces greasiness, and contributes to a light, pleasant touch.
In hair care products, Glucam DOE-120 supports detangling, reduces static, and enhances smoothness, leading to improved manageability and conditioning performance.
Another major benefit is Glucam DOE-120's dermatological mildness and safety profile.
Derived from natural raw materials such as glucose and oleic acid, Glucam DOE-120 is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and suitable for sensitive skin, including use in baby products and dermatological treatments.
Glucam DOE-120's biocompatibility and gentle cleansing action make it ideal for sulfate-free, hypoallergenic, and sensitive-skin formulations.
In terms of formulation versatility, Glucam DOE-120 is highly compatible with a wide range of surfactants, oils, and polymers, allowing flexibility in designing stable and multifunctional emulsions.
Glucam DOE-120 enhances the performance of other emulsifiers and co-surfactants, offering formulators the ability to fine-tune viscosity, texture, and stability.
From a sustainability perspective, Glucam DOE-120 offers significant advantages.
Glucam DOE-120 is derived from renewable plant-based resources, is readily biodegradable, and aligns with clean-label and eco-friendly market trends.
Glucam DOE-120's inclusion supports product claims such as natural, sustainable, and green-certified formulations, which are increasingly demanded by consumers worldwide.
Production of Glucam DOE-120:
Glucam DOE-120 is produced through the esterification reaction of methylglucose, a sugar-derived polyol, with oleic acid, a natural monounsaturated fatty acid obtained from renewable vegetable oils such as sunflower, soybean, or olive oil.
The process typically begins with the preparation of methylglucose, which is obtained by methylation of glucose to increase its stability and reactivity.
In the next stage, methylglucose is reacted with oleic acid under controlled temperature and catalytic conditions, often using acid catalysts to promote ester bond formation.
During this process, the hydroxyl groups of methylglucose react with the carboxyl groups of oleic acid, producing ester linkages and releasing water as a byproduct.
The esterification is usually conducted under vacuum or inert gas conditions (such as nitrogen) to prevent oxidation of the oleic acid and to continuously remove water, which drives the reaction toward completion.
The final mixture is then subjected to purification steps, including neutralization, washing, and filtration, to remove any unreacted fatty acids, catalyst residues, or byproducts.
The resulting product is a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid with high purity and consistent quality, suitable for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Industrial-scale production may also include hydrogenation steps or blending with other methylglucose esters to adjust viscosity, stability, or application performance depending on the final use.
For cosmetic- and pharmaceutical-grade Glucam DOE-120, the manufacturing process must comply with strict quality and safety standards, ensuring low residual impurities, reproducible emulsification performance, and compatibility with sensitive skin applications.
This sustainable production process—combining sugar-based raw materials and plant-derived fatty acids—makes Glucam DOE-120 not only a high-performance emulsifier but also a renewable, biodegradable ingredient aligned with the growing global demand for eco-friendly and natural cosmetic formulations.
Synthesis of Glucam DOE-120:
Glucam DOE-120 is synthesized by the esterification of methylglucose with oleic acid, a fatty acid derived from renewable vegetable oils.
The synthesis begins with the preparation of methylglucose (methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside), which is obtained by reacting glucose with methanol under acidic conditions, yielding a stable sugar derivative with free hydroxyl groups available for further reactions.
In the esterification step, oleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂) is introduced and reacts with the hydroxyl groups of methylglucose to form ester bonds, releasing water as a byproduct.
This reaction is typically carried out in the presence of acid catalysts (e.g., p-toluenesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid) or enzymatic catalysts such as lipases, which allow milder processing conditions and improved selectivity.
To drive the reaction toward completion, water generated during esterification is continuously removed, either by applying vacuum or by using azeotropic distillation techniques.
The overall reaction can be represented as:
Methylglucose (C₇H₁₄O₆) + 2 Oleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂) → Glucam DOE-120 (C₄₃H₈₀O₈) + 2 H₂O
After esterification, the crude product undergoes neutralization and purification, which includes washing to remove residual acids, filtration to eliminate byproducts, and sometimes molecular distillation to enhance purity.
The final material is a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid, composed mainly of diesters but often containing small amounts of monoesters or mixed esters depending on reaction efficiency.
Enzymatic synthesis methods using immobilized lipases have recently gained attention as green chemistry alternatives, offering advantages such as lower energy consumption, reduced catalyst residues, and higher selectivity toward dioleate formation.
This aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly surfactant production processes.
The resulting Glucam DOE-120 combines the hydrophilic sugar head group with hydrophobic oleic acid chains, giving the molecule excellent amphiphilic character and making it highly effective as a non-ionic emulsifier, thickener, and skin-conditioning agent in personal care and pharmaceutical applications.
History of Glucam DOE-120:
The history of Glucam DOE-120 is closely tied to the development of methylglucose esters, a family of surfactants first explored in the mid-20th century as the cosmetics and personal care industry began seeking alternatives to harsh synthetic detergents.
Early surfactants, such as sulfates and sulfonates, were effective cleansers but often caused dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
To address this, chemists turned to sugar-derived surfactants, which offered a natural, mild, and biodegradable alternative.
The foundation of methylglucose esters began with research into sugar chemistry and the modification of glucose into methylglucoside in the early 1900s, a reaction that produced a stable derivative suitable for esterification with fatty acids.
By the 1960s and 1970s, advances in oleochemistry—the use of plant-based oils and fatty acids—made Glucam DOE-120 possible to combine methylglucoside with renewable fatty acids like oleic acid to create multifunctional surfactants.
This gave rise to compounds such as Glucam DOE-120, which quickly gained recognition for its emulsifying power, skin compatibility, and natural origin.
During the 1980s and 1990s, as the cosmetics industry shifted toward milder formulations and consumer safety, Glucam DOE-120 became an increasingly popular ingredient in creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners.
Glucam DOE-120's ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and provide a smooth, moisturized skin feel fit well with consumer expectations for gentle yet effective products.
Around the same time, companies such as Lubrizol commercialized methylglucose derivatives under trade names like Glucamate®, further increasing their visibility and adoption worldwide.
In the 21st century, with the rise of green chemistry, clean-label, and eco-friendly personal care trends, Glucam DOE-120 has gained even greater importance.
Glucam DOE-120's plant-based origin, biodegradability, and low irritation profile positioned it as a preferred emulsifier for natural and organic product lines.
Today, Glucam DOE-120 continues to play a vital role in cosmetics, hair care, baby care, and pharmaceuticals, bridging consumer demand for safe, sustainable products with the technical requirements of modern formulation science.
Handling and Storage of Glucam DOE-120:
Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Do not ingest.
Prevent the generation of aerosols or fine mist.
Use only in well-ventilated areas.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and sources of ignition.
Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Keep containers sealed when not in use to prevent contamination and oxidation.
Recommended storage temperature: 15–30 °C.
Stability and Reactivity of Glucam DOE-120:
Stability:
Stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity:
Not considered reactive under normal use.
Incompatible Materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and traces of acrolein or other organic vapors.
Polymerization:
Hazardous polymerization is not expected.
First Aid Measures of Glucam DOE-120:
Inhalation:
Remove person to fresh air.
If respiratory discomfort occurs, seek medical advice.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
If irritation develops, get medical attention.
Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention if large amounts are ingested.
Firefighting Measures of Glucam DOE-120:
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Unsuitable Media:
Direct high-pressure water jets may spread the material.
Special Hazards:
Glucam DOE-120 is not classified as flammable, but combustion can generate irritating or toxic fumes (CO, CO₂).
Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Accidental Release Measures of Glucam DOE-120:
Personal Precautions:
Wear protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil.
Cleanup Methods:
Contain and absorb with inert materials (sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, or vermiculite).
Collect into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Wash contaminated area with water and mild detergent.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Glucam DOE-120:
Engineering Controls:
Provide adequate ventilation, preferably local exhaust, to minimize exposure to vapors or mists.
Respiratory Protection:
Not normally required; use NIOSH-approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate.
Skin Protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene) and protective clothing to minimize contact.
Eye Protection:
Use safety goggles or a face shield.
Body Protection:
Protective work clothing or lab coat recommended.
Hygiene Measures:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after use.
Identifiers of Glucam DOE-120:
Substance Name: Glucam DOE-120
INCI Name: Methyl Glucose Dioleate
CAS Number: 356006-19-0 (primary)
EC Number (EINECS): Not assigned
Chemical Family: Sugar Esters / Polyol Fatty Acid Esters
Molecular Formula: C₄₃H₈₀O₈
Molecular Weight: ~708 g/mol
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
HS Code (Customs): 3402.90 (surface-active agents, other)
REACH Status (EU): Registered under general category of methylglucose esters
Regulatory Approval: Listed in the EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng); approved under INCI for global cosmetic use
Properties of Glucam DOE-120:
Substance Name: Glucam DOE-120
INCI Name: Methyl Glucose Dioleate
CAS Number: 356006-19-0
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber, viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not determined
Molecular Formula: ~C₄₃H₈₀O₈ (approximate, depending on isomers)
Molecular Weight: ~708 g/mol (average)
Physical State: Liquid (semi-viscous)
Taste: Tasteless (not intended for ingestion)
Color: Yellow to amber
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Not applicable (remains liquid at room temperature)
Boiling Point / Range: Not determined (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: > 200 °C (Closed Cup, typical)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not determined
Decomposition Temperature: > 250 °C (may release CO, CO₂, organic vapors)
pH (10% solution in water): ~5.0 – 7.0
Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Oxidizing Properties: Not an oxidizer
Solubility:
Water Solubility: Dispersible but not fully soluble; forms emulsions/colloids
Solubility in Alcohols: Miscible with ethanol, isopropanol
Solubility in Oils: Compatible with vegetable oils, esters, and hydrocarbons
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): > 6 (estimated, due to hydrophobic fatty acid chains)
Density & Viscosity:
Relative Density (20 °C): ~0.95 – 1.00 g/cm³
Viscosity (25 °C): 1,000 – 4,000 mPa·s (depends on grade and purity)
Surface Tension (1% aqueous solution): ~30 – 35 mN/m
Refractive Index (20 °C): 1.45 – 1.48
Chemical Identity: Glucam DOE-120
INCI Name: Methyl Glucose Dioleate
CAS Number: 356006-19-0
EC Number: Not assigned (polyol fatty acid esters category)
Molecular Formula (typical): C₄₃H₈₀O₈
Molecular Weight (average): ~708 g/mol
Chemical Family: Polyol Fatty Acid Esters (Sugar Esters)
Structure: Ester of methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside with two oleic acid chains (C18:1, cis-9)
Physical State: Semi-viscous liquid
Color: Pale yellow to amber
Odor: Mild, fatty characteristic
Taste: Neutral (not for ingestion)
Names of Glucam DOE-120:
Alternative Names:
Methylglucoside Dioleate
Methyl D-glucopyranoside dioleate
Methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside dioleate
Methylglucoside di-(9Z-octadecenoate)
(9Z)-Octadecenoic acid, ester with methylglucoside (2:1)
Oleic acid methylglucoside diester
Methylglucose fatty acid ester (C18:1)
Dioleate of methylglucoside
Methylglucose di-C18:1 ester
Glucopyranoside, methyl-, dioleate
Trade Name:
Glucamate® DOE-120 (Lubrizol)
