Surfactants lower the surface tension of water, dissolve oil and dirt, create foam and help emulsions remain stable. They are the foundation of cleaning products such as shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps and dishwashing and laundry detergents.
They fall into four main groups according to their chemical structure: anionic surfactants such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid; amphoteric surfactants such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine; nonionic surfactants such as Alcohols, C12-14, Ethoxylated, Polysorbate 20 and Decyl Glucoside; and cationic surfactants such as Cetrimonium Chloride and Behentrimonium Chloride. Formulas usually combine a primary anionic surfactant with co-surfactants that improve mildness and foam quality.
Active matter content, pH and color can vary by grade and manufacturer. We recommend comparing versions of the same product with different active matter contents using their technical data sheets.