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Surfactants

Surfactants are cosmetic ingredients that reduce the surface tension between two substances, thus facilitating the blending of water with fats. This cleansing and foaming power is achieved through their specific chemical structure: a hydrophilic part that attracts water and a lipophilic part that attracts oil. The role of surfactants extends beyond cleansing, influencing the texture, stability, and sensory properties of products.
Fonction cosmétique tensioactifs
What is the purpose of surfactants?
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FAQ about surfactants

How do surfactants work?

The surfactants possess a hydrophilic part that attracts water and a lipophilic part that attracts oil, allowing them to capture fats and eliminate them during rinsing with water.

What are the types of surfactants?

There are four main types of surfactants : anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and amphoteric.

Are surfactants irritating?

This depends on the surfactants. It's true that some anionic surfactants, such as the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and the ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), are often criticised for their irritating effects.

Do products without surfactants exist?

Yes, some products, particularly shampoos, are formulated without surfactants. These clean using alternative agents such as absorbent powders (clay, corn starch) that capture impurities and excess sebum, or emollients like vegetable oils and butters that dissolve dirt through lipid affinity.

Are surfactants biodegradable?

This depends on the surfactants. Some, such as alkylpolyglucosides, are indeed biodegradable.

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