Surfactants are popular additives to many cosmetics and household detergents. They are also used in industry - e.g. construction, textile, paper and metallurgy. It is thanks to surfactants that the products gain appropriate functional properties.
Find out what makes non-ionic surfactants different and where they are used.
The classification of surfactants can be carried out in many ways. One of the most frequently considered division criteria is the ability of the hydrophilic part of the surfactant to dissociate in aqueous solutions. In this regard, the following compounds should be distinguished:
The properties of surface-active substances on a daily basis are best perceived in cosmetics. They are responsible for the formation and stabilization of the foam in the hair shampoo, the uniform consistency of the cream or the easy distribution of the shower gel on the body. Other features of surfactants include:
The same features cause that surface-active substances are used, for example, in the production of paints, polystyrene or technical coolants.
From a chemical point of view, non-ionic surfactants are not electrically charged.
Nonionic surfactants have a mild effect on the skin. They do not destroy protein structures and only slightly wash away the lipid barrier. This means that cosmetics containing these compounds do not dry out the skin and do not irritate it like some anionic surfactants.
Non-ionic substances are often used even to mitigate the effects of more concentrated chemistry.
Due to their gentle action, non-ionic surfactants are a popular additive in cosmetics and detergents for children. In their case, the lipid barrier is still thin and they should not be exposed to preparations used by adults.
Substances such as glucosides are also known to allergy sufferers. People who struggle with skin problems must look for special washing agents that will not cause or strengthen the inflammatory reaction of the body.
Non-ionic compounds are of natural origin. This means that they can be added as ingredients to cosmetics labeled in the same way. Popular measures include:
The great advantage of non-ionic surfactants is the possibility of using them even in very high concentrations without the risk of irritation.
Non-ionic surfactants contained in cosmetic preparations have been approved by international organizations that certify natural products. Associations such as AIAB, Ecocert or Cosmebio recognize non-ionic surfactants as safe compounds.
Non-ionic compounds can be used by pregnant and lactating women. They are also fully biodegradable. By purchasing preparations with their content, you can be sure that you not only take care of your own health, but also contribute to environmental protection.
In addition to natural glucosides, in cosmetics marked as "BIO" or "Eco-friendly" you will also find:
It is assumed that plant cosmetics should be produced using methods that disturb the structure of plant material as little as possible. This can be, for example, pressing, extraction, filtration or distillation.
Non-ionic surfactants are eagerly used by cosmetics manufacturers as well as in other industries. Here are some examples of non-ionic surfactants:
The wide use of non-ionic surfactants and their mild action make them an attractive alternative to more concentrated chemical compounds. To be sure that you buy only the highest quality ingredients, use the Distripark warehouse offer and choose from dozens of different surfactants.
If you have any questions about specific products, we are at your disposal.