Alkyl polyglucosides are non-ionic surfactants consisting of a hydrophilic saccharide moiety and a hydrophobic fatty alkyl chain. They are synthesized from renewable raw materials and have excellent ecotoxicological profiles and are readily biodegradable. The alkyl polyglucosides are mixtures of homologues, anomers and isomers. The alkyl polyglucosides with a longer alkyl chain biodegrade faster than those with a shorter one. The short to medium alkyl chain containing alkyl polyglucosides are water soluble. They exhibit favorable wetting and surface tension reduction, electrolyte and hard water tolerance, great stability in wide pH range, synergism with other surfactants and act as hydrotropes and dispersants. The dermatological, toxicological, mildness and high compatibility to skin make alkyl polyglucosides superior to all other existing surfactants. They show good functionality in various applications like detergents, food emulsifiers, cosmetic surfactants, industrial emulsifiers and pharmaceutical granulating agents.