Alkylglucosides are prepared by acetalization of glucose with an equivalent amount or an excess of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 -alkanol in the presence of an acidic catalyst by a method wherein the acetalization is carried out in the presence of an alkali metal salt of a boric acid used in an amount which is equivalent to or in excess of the amount of the catalyst.The alkylglucosides obtained can be used directly, for example as solubilizers, in particular in the cosmetic sector, or can be reacted further to give higher alkylglucosides.