Explore non-ionic surfactants

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.

Types of surfactants

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:

• non-ionic;
• ionic (among them, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and mesoionic surfactants are indicated).

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:

• preventing product caking;
• dissolving dirt particles;
• solubilization, i.e. moisturizing;
• dispersing, i.e. combining two or more substances that do not naturally combine with each other.

The same features cause that surface-active substances are used, for example, in the production of paints, polystyrene or technical coolants.

What are non-ionic surfactants?

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.

The use of non-ionic surfactants in cosmetics

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:

• lauryl glucoside (Lauryl Glucoside) - is a combination of glutamic acid and fatty acids from coconut;
• decyl glucoside - a mixture of glucose of plant origin and coconut fats;
• Coco Glucoside - a combination of vegetable sugars and fats from coconut oil.

The great advantage of non-ionic surfactants is the possibility of using them even in very high concentrations without the risk of irritation.

How to recognize natural cosmetics?

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:

• vegetable oils;
• essential oils;
• plant-derived compounds;
• compounds of animal origin (obtained without harm to animals, e.g. lanolin or beeswax);
• particulate minerals (inorganic salts and oxides);
• extracts of herbs and nectars;
• natural dyes, emollients and emulsifiers.

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 used in industry

Non-ionic surfactants are eagerly used by cosmetics manufacturers as well as in other industries. Here are some examples of non-ionic surfactants:

• ROKAnol LN 75/50 - used in the production of washing and care cosmetics (e.g. shower gels, shampoos, aftershaves, creams, lotions). It is also used to produce water or water-alcohol liquids of high transparency and detergents for industrial washing.
• Alkinol - found application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It affects the viscosity of the product and facilitates its application. Mainly used in hair care products.
• ROKAnol LK2 - used for the production of ether sulphates, perfumes and detergents and care products. An ingredient of cleaning and washing preparations. In the textile industry, it is used for the pre-treatment of textiles. It is an intermediate necessary for the production of SLS.

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.