Surfactants – key substances in the cosmetic and industrial market

Surfactants play a key role in many areas of industry, particularly in the production of cosmetics, cleaning products and industrial chemicals. Due to their unique structure, they allow the surface tension between two substances in a product to be lowered, enabling water and oil, for example, to be mixed. In this article, we will explain what surfactants are and how they work, the types of surfactants and their importance in industry.

What are surfactants?

Surfactants, or surfactants, are chemical compounds consisting of two parts: a hydrophilic part (which attracts water) and a hydrophobic part (which repels water). Thanks to their specific structure and ability to form micelles, they allow naturally immiscible substances such as oil and water to mix. Surfactants are essential for the formation of emulsions, foams or for the effective removal of contaminants.

Surfactant types

Depending on the ionic charge in solution, surfactants are divided into:

• anionic surfactants – having a negatively charged ionic group. They are the most common surfactants, found particularly in detergents and cleaning agents. Examples include sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and soaps.
• cationic surfactants – have a positively charged ionic group. They show antibacterial properties, but are also poorly biodegradable. They are often used in hair care products. Examples of cationic surfactants are amine salts and quaternary ammonium chlorides.
• non-ionic surfactants – have no electrical charge. They are characterised by a milder effect and are therefore widely used in cosmetics. These include, for example, fatty acid monoglyceride.
• amphoteric surfactants – can change their charge depending on the pH of the environment. They are gentle in their action, which is why they are used in products for children and people with sensitive skin. An example of such a compound is sulfobetaine.

Where are surfactants used?

Surfactants are mainly used in the cosmetics industry, but they are also used in the production of cleaning agents, fertilisers, paints or food products.

Surfactants in cosmetics

Surfactants play a huge role in the cosmetics industry. These substances can be found in cleansing products, shampoos, shower gels and emulsions. Their main functions are:

• emulsification – they enable the water phase to combine with the fat phase, which is key to the uniform consistency of cosmetic products;
• cleansing – surfactants give products the ability to effectively remove dirt, grease and dead skin;
• foaming – these substances enable the formation of stable foam, which improves the application of products.

In recent years, natural surfactants derived from plant raw materials, such as coconut or corn oil, have become increasingly popular. They are biodegradable and less irritating to the skin, which is why they are used in organic natural cosmetics.

Other uses of surfactants

The use of surfactants is not limited to the manufacture of cosmetics. They are commonly used in processes that require the formation of systems such as emulsions, foams or colloids. They can be found in, among other things:

• the food industry – as emulsifiers in dairy products or baked goods;
• the chemical industry – in the manufacture of paints, adhesives or foaming agents;
• agriculture – as ingredients in pesticides and fertilisers;
• water treatment and purification – as auxiliary agents; substances such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide or ferric chloride are used in this process;
• the metallurgical industry – for cleaning processes and surface treatment;
• textile industry;
• household chemistry – they are one of the main ingredients in cleaning agents, laundry detergents and detergents;
• pharmacology – for the production of certain drugs and antiseptics (e.g. CTAB).

Top-quality surfactants, as well as other industrial additives, including food additives such as acetic acid and phosphoric acid, are available from Foodcom S.A..

What is the current situation on the surfactant market?

The global surfactant market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand for cosmetic and personal care products. There is currently a growing interest in natural surfactants – both by manufacturers and consumers. Not only are the potential uses of natural surfactants being widely explored, but also the expansion of the areas of use of substances such as SDS and CTAB. They are used in: research, cell production, nanotechnology, genetics, the creation of chemical oscillators, enzyme activation or fluorescence-based processes.

Currently, the European Union countries are the leaders in surfactant production, supplying more than 3.2 million tonnes of these substances annually. The largest surfactant producers are global chemical concerns such as Germany’s BASF SE, Belgium’s Solvay S.A., Switzerland’s Clariant AG or Poland’s PCC Exol SA. The distribution of the best quality surfactants in Poland is handled by Foodcom S.A.

Surfactants are essential in many sectors of the economy. For years, they have invariably reSurfactants are surfactants of key importance in cosmetics, cleaning products and chemicals. Learn about their types, uses and current market trends.mained the main ingredients in cleaning products and key additives in cosmetics or food. With the development of innovative technologies and increasing environmental awareness, these substances are likely to play an even more important role in industry and the production of various types of goods.