What are surfactants and why are they needed?

We all like when shampoo lathers well and soap removes dirt easily. These and many other properties of modern cosmetics would not be possible without the surfactants contained in them. What are surfactants and why are their addition to detergents and participation in other technological processes so important?

What are surfactants?

Surfactants are a group of chemical compounds that consist of two elements with opposite affinity to water - hydrophilic (high) and hydrophobic (low). The name surfactants comes from the English term Surface Active Agent.

Thanks to their unique properties, the surface tension at the interface of two different phases - water and air - is reduced.

There are several types of surfactants , depending on the structure of the hydrophilic group:

• anionic agents - they are considered the strongest group of surfactants (e.g. ALS, SLS, MLS);
• cationic agents - have a milder effect than anionic compounds (e.g. Quaternium);
• non-ionic surfactants - they are characterized by the most gentle action among surface active substances (these are various types of glucosides - Lauryl Glucoside and Coco Glucoside);
• amphoteric surfactants – made from natural ingredients, they reduce the irritating potential of other surfactants (e.g. Cocoamidopropyl Betaine).

Particular types of surfactants differ in effectiveness, cost of production and application.

You will find all kinds of compounds in cosmetics. In the course of laboratory controls, their concentration and potential for action are tested, so your skin should not react negatively to them.

However, it is worth remembering that particularly strong surfactants should be avoided in the case of small children and people suffering from skin allergies. In this case, it is best to look for preparations containing non-ionic compounds (alone or with the addition of amphoteric substances).

Where can you find popular surfactants?

Thanks to their structure , surfactants are commonly added to all kinds of cosmetics and detergents. You will find them e.g. In:

• dishwashing liquids;
• shampoos;
• shower gels and soaps;
• body lotions;
• creams and makeup removers.

Interestingly, they are even used in toothpaste. Such a wide profile of the use of surfactants is possible due to the formation of the so-called micelles (round groups of particles). The hydrophobic part of the compound binds to and surrounds the dirt, then is washed away by the water.

What properties do surfactants have?

The universal use of surfactants allows you to change the consistency, solubility and many other parameters of the detergent. What are the different types of surfactants ?

• washing and washing - remove dirt and impurities from the surface;
• wetting agents – they improve liquid spreadability;
• emulsifying or demulsifying - they unify the consistency of a mixture of substances (e.g. cream) or, on the contrary, prevent the ingredients from combining;
• foaming - produce thick foam;
• stabilizing - they fix the consistency of the substance (they are often combined with foaming agents in fire-fighting agents);
• solubilizing and anti-caking agents – they improve the solubility of the substance.

Different industries use different surfactants depending on their needs. The prevalence of surfactants in the industry allows you to enjoy many achievements of civilization.

Where else are surfactants used?

Surfactants are used not only in the production of cosmetics and detergents. Many types are used in the paper, textile and food processing industries. Examples of surfactants , not related to household chemistry, are, for example:

• polyoxyalkylene glycol ether (ROKAnol LP100) - used during the industrial process of washing sugar beets and cleaning bottles;
• POLIkol 4500 (PEG 100) – used as a component of lubricants, liquids for machining and as an anti-adhesive in the processing of rubber, plastics and elastomers;
• PPG-5- Laureth-4 (ROKAnol L4P5) - used in the textile industry for bleaching fabrics and removing dirt from textile products.

Some surfactants are used in fire protection. This applies in particular to foaming and stabilizing substances that increase the effectiveness of extinguishing agents.

There are dozens of surfactants . They are usually chosen depending on the effect, reaction with other agents and the planned final price of the product.

What is worth remembering when choosing surfactants?

Many international organizations watch over the safety of surfactants in cosmetics. They are constantly examining the impact of the use of chemical compounds on the human body and their biodegradability. They also monitor the market in terms of the possibility of exceeding the permissible concentrations used by manufacturers.

The most active organizations include: COSMEBIO, AIAB, BDIH, Ecocert, Soil Association. If you see their marking on the packaging, it means that the product has been tested for safety.

Where to find surfactants?

Regardless of whether you want to start making cosmetics for your own needs using the DIY method, or you plan to implement mass production of a new product, the use of surfactants will ensure the correct parameters of the substance.

In the Distripark warehouse you will find only the highest quality products from reputable manufacturers. We make every effort to ensure that the chemicals we sell meet your needs and fulfill their task well.

We put emphasis on maintaining high standards of customer service. If you need advice, we will be happy to help you.

Check out our offer of surfactants !