What are surfactants and how do they work?

Most cleaning and washing agents are based on surfactants, a significant part of which are surfactants . These substances are responsible for the effectiveness of detergents and their foaming properties.

You will find them not only in completely synthetic products, but also in cleaning preparations of natural origin. Read what surfactants are and how they work.

What is a surfactant?

The term surfactants is understood as a group of chemical compounds that have the ability to accumulate on the border of two different media (the contact surface of the solution with another phase - liquid, solid or gaseous). This is due to their specific double construction:

• the hydrophobic element has a low affinity for water,
• the hydrophilic element has a high affinity for water.

Most of the surfactants are surfactants , which are distinguished by the ability to form micelles. Micelles are groups of molecules organized in a spherical form that allow to lower the surface tension of a solution.

Due to these unique properties, surfactants are widely used in many industries: pharmaceutical, confectionery, and above all in the production of cosmetics and cleaning agents.

You can find cosmetic surfactants , e.g. In:

• soaps,
• shampoos,
• dishwashing liquids,
• washing powders.

It is thanks to this group of compounds that you can remove dirt from your skin, enjoy plenty of foam in the bathtub and clean dishes in the dishwasher. However, these are not all the properties of surfactants .

What are surfactants used for in cleaning products?

The action of surfactants is very wide. Depending on the type of substances used or their combination, they can cause the effect:

• washing and washing - they break down and dissolve dirt particles,
• wetting agent - they improve spreadability and facilitate the application of the liquid,
• foaming - increase the release of foam by cosmetics and detergents,
• solubilizing - they improve the solubility of the detergent (this is especially important in washing powders, because the particles of active substances do not settle on fabrics).

Surfactants also guarantee a positive sensory experience. Most people prefer cosmetics that lather well and spread easily, rather than watery blends that rinse off the skin immediately.

What types of surfactants can you find in detergents?

Surfactants can be classified in various ways, but the most common division includes detergents:

• anionic,
• cationic
• non-ionic,

Anionic detergents are cheap to produce, biodegradable, but at the same time the most irritating. They are relatively easy to produce, which is why in practice they are most often used in the production of cosmetics. An example of an anionic detergent is sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), as well as SLS, SLES, ALS or MLS detergents.

Cationic detergents are used less often because they are less biodegradable. However, they are gentler on the skin than their anionic counterparts. Cationic surfactants are quaternium and amine salts.

Non-ionic surfactants are found in cosmetics for people with sensitive skin and for children. These include, among others: lauryl polyglucoside, coconut oil polyglucoside or decyl glucoside. Non-ionic detergents have slightly weaker washing and foaming properties than other types of compounds, but they are the healthiest.

Amphoteric surfactants are the most expensive to produce, which is why they are mainly used in specialized preparations as an addition to anionic surfactants. They help to weaken their irritating properties and stabilize the foam produced.

This group includes e.g. cocamidopropyl betaine and a combination of sodium glycinate salts with fats contained in coconut oil.

Surfactants in natural cleaners

If you care about using the most delicate detergents of natural origin, choose non-ionic surfactants. They contain compounds created on the basis of fatty acids contained in coconut oil, fruit sugars and glutamic acid.

Contrary to appearances, the lack of concentrated chemistry does not mean lack of effectiveness. Manufacturers often supplement natural surfactants with specially selected essential oils. They do not irritate the respiratory tract and skin, and effectively disinfect surfaces. At the same time, they smell much more natural than their synthetic counterparts.

More and more companies are also using surfactants of plant origin based on saponins. These include extracts from With:

• soapwort,
• niggas,
• aloe,
• digitalis,
• smooth liquorice.

It is a great addition to cosmetics for people with sensitive or dry skin. Plant extracts are fully biocompatible and safe for the environment.

Are surfactants safe?

Many people are afraid of concentrated cleaners. Their impact on the body raises the greatest doubts. Can the chemicals used to clean the kitchen, bathroom fittings or furniture be unhealthy?

People suffering from frequent dermatological problems and children should be careful about contact with the active substances contained in detergents. Especially regular exposure to chemicals contained in cosmetics or cleaning agents can cause negative effects in the form of:

• drying and cracking of the epidermis,
• irritation of the mucous membranes,
• respiratory irritation.

If you often use chemicals in tight, poorly ventilated rooms, be sure to take breaks and try to breathe fresh air. Never mix different cleaners together as a new chemical reaction can be dangerous!

Remember, however, that each active substance is subject to rigorous testing and research before being placed on the market. If you have doubts about the composition of the product, try to choose detergents certified by ECOCERT, Cosmebio, BDIH or other trusted organizations.

If you are looking for proven semi-finished products for the production of cosmetics, choose the Distripark warehouse. There you will find a wide selection of surfactants for professional use.

Bet on attractive prices, pharmaceutical quality and your health!