Product
Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG)
A plant-based surfactant for eco-friendly formulations.
What is Alkyl Polyglucoside?
Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG) is a non-ionic surfactant made from two renewable raw materials: glucose, typically derived from corn starch, and fatty alcohols sourced from coconut or palm. The combination gives you a surfactant that performs well across a wide range of applications while carrying genuine green credentials.
APGs are available in several grades, differentiated by their alkyl chain length, which influences their foaming behaviour, solubility and suitability for different product types. They’re typically supplied as a liquid or paste, and they’re well established in both personal care and household cleaning formulations worldwide
What is APG used for?
APG’s combination of mildness, biodegradability and solid surfactant performance makes it a versatile choice across several product categories.
In personal care, you’ll find it in shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers, particularly in formulations aimed at sensitive skin or baby care, where mildness is a priority. Its gentle profile also makes it a natural fit for products marketed as natural or eco-friendly, where its bio-based origin and biodegradability are commercially valuable. In household and industrial cleaning, APG works well in hard surface cleaners, washing-up liquids and all-purpose cleaners, where it contributes to soil removal and foam quality while keeping the environmental footprint of the formulation low. It’s also used in industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning products, where performance and safety credentials matter.
Key product benefits: APG
Compatibility
APG is non-ionic, which means it’s compatible with anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants. It works well in combination profiles, often improving the overall mildness of a formulation when used alongside harsher primary surfactants, and it can help reduce irritation potential without sacrificing foam or cleaning performance.
Sustainability
APG is derived entirely from renewable, plant-based raw materials, and is readily biodegradable. For manufacturers working to meet retailer sustainability requirements or support eco-labelling certifications, such as EU Ecolabel or Nordic Swan, APG is one of the stronger options available to you in the surfactant category.
Foam quality
APG produces a dense, creamy foam that enhances the sensory profile of rinse-off products. While it’s typically used as a co-surfactant rather than a primary one, it has a meaningful impact on lather texture and overall product feel.
Performance
APG maintains good solubility and performance at lower temperatures, which can be a practical advantage in both formulation and manufacturing. It also performs well across a wide pH range, giving you flexibility in how you formulate.
Mildness
APG has a well-documented mildness profile, confirmed across multiple dermatological studies. It’s a reliable choice for formulations targeting sensitive skin, baby care, or any application where consumer safety is a particular concern. It also has a good tolerability profile on mucous membranes, which is useful in products like facial cleansers or intimate hygiene ranges.
Why source your APG from MegaChem UK?
APG sits at the intersection of performance and sustainability, and we know that sourcing the right grade for your application matters. Our team has hands-on experience supporting manufacturers across personal care and home care, and we can help you identify the right APG specification for your formulation, whether that’s active content or something more specific. We offer a consistent supply backed by our global network, full technical and regulatory documentation, and the kind of responsive, straightforward service that makes your job easier. We’re also happy to discuss volume flexibility as your production needs change.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between APG grades, and how do I know which one is right for my formulation?
APG grades are primarily differentiated by their alkyl chain length. Shorter chains (C8/C10) tend to offer better foaming and are more suited to hard surface cleaning. In comparison, longer chains (C12/C14 and above) are generally preferred in personal care for their mildness and skin feel. Our technical team can walk you through the options and help you match the right grade to your application.
Can APG support natural or eco-label certification?
APG is a strong candidate for formulations targeting eco-label status. It meets the criteria for several recognised certifications, and its bio-based origin is well documented. We can supply the supporting documentation you’ll need for your certification process.
What use levels are typical for APG in finished formulations?
Use levels vary by application, but APG is commonly used at between 2% and 10% active in personal care formulations, and up to 15% or higher in some cleaning products. We can advise on typical ranges for your specific product type.
Is APG palm-derived, and does MegaChem UK offer responsibly sourced options?
Some APG grades use fatty alcohols derived from palm. We understand this is an important question for many manufacturers and can provide full traceability information on request, including RSPO certification where applicable.
How does APG compare to CAPB as a co-surfactant?
Both are mild, skin-compatible co-surfactants, but they have different profiles. CAPB is amphoteric and particularly good at boosting foam and building viscosity alongside anionics. APG is non-ionic, brings stronger sustainability credentials, and is often preferred in natural or certified formulations. The two can also be used together in the same system. If you’re weighing up your options, our technical team is happy to help.
What are the storage and handling requirements for APG?
APG should be stored at room temperature, away from freezing conditions and direct heat sources, as it can become difficult to handle if it solidifies. Full safety data sheets and handling guidance are available on request.
Source your APG from Megachem UK
If you’d like to talk through your APG requirements, whether you’re developing a new formulation, scaling up production, or looking for a more sustainable surfactant option, we’re here to help. Get in touch, and we’ll come back to you promptly.
