Common Names: APG, Sugar Surfactant
Function: Surfactant (cleansing agent), soil remover, foaming agent
EWG Rating: 1 (Lowest Concern)
What It Is
Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) are a class of non-ionic surfactants derived from renewable raw materials: typically plant-based glucose (sugar) and fatty alcohols (coconut or palm kernel oil derivatives). They are biodegradable and widely used in green cleaning and personal care products for their mildness and effectiveness.
What It Does in Laundry
In Orchard’s laundry detergent, APG functions as a primary cleaning agent:
- Breaks up oils and dirt: Reduces surface tension, allowing water to penetrate fabrics and lift away soils.
- Boosts rinseability: Easily washes out without leaving residues on clothes or skin.
- Foam control: Produces a mild, controlled lather that’s suitable for high-efficiency (HE) washers.
Unlike harsher surfactants like SLS or SLES, APG is gentle, non-stripping, and safe for sensitive skin.
Safety and Environmental Profile
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under standard conditions.
- Human safety: Considered non-toxic and non-irritating. Suitable for use in baby care and sensitive skin products.
- Environmental impact: Low. Derived from renewable resources and safe for aquatic life at use levels.
Source and Production
Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) are produced through a condensation reaction between two renewable, plant-based materials: glucose (typically sourced from corn or potatoes) and fatty alcohols (derived from coconut or palm kernel oil). This reaction creates a non-ionic surfactant that is known for being mild, biodegradable, and safe for skin and the environment.
The production process does not involve petrochemical solvents or hazardous intermediates, and the resulting ingredient is free from ethoxylation byproducts like 1,4-dioxane. The structure and performance of APGs can vary slightly depending on the chain length of the fatty alcohol (e.g., decyl, lauryl, or coco-glucoside), but all variants maintain a favorable ecological and dermatological profile.
APGs are widely recognized in eco-labeling frameworks (including EU Ecolabel and Nordic Swan) for their readily biodegradable nature and low toxicity, making them a preferred surfactant in both personal care and cleaning applications.
This profile is part of Orchard’s Ingredient Glossary, written to provide information on every component we use.