What are plant-based surfactants?
Most plant-derived surfactants are produced from the fatty acids extracted from palm or coconuts. Common synthetic surfactants in cleaning and personal care products include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS).
Are there any natural surfactants?
Natural surfactants can be derived from many types of plants. Common sources are coconut or palm, but they can also be derived from other types of fruits and vegetables. There are many natural surfactants on the market today, and with increased consumer demand, I imagine that many more will be available in time.
What are some examples of surfactants?
Sodium stearate is a good example of a surfactant. It is the most common surfactant in soap. Another common surfactant is 4-(5-dodecyl)benzenesulfonate. Other examples include docusate (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate), alkyl ether phosphates, benzalkaonium chloride (BAC), and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS).
What are natural surfactants?
The term ‘natural surfactant’ is not unambiguous. Taken strictly a natural surfactant is a surfactant taken directly from a natural source. The source may be of either plant or animal origin and the product should be obtained by some kind of separation procedure such as extraction, precipitation or distillation.
Is coco betaine the same as Cocamidopropyl Betaine?
Though often used interchangeably, coco betaine and cocamidopropyl betaine aren’t exactly the same. While both are surfactants and used similarly, coco betaine has a slightly different chemical makeup (which can be a bit more irritating to skin).
What is a safe surfactant?
Surfactants Are Safe Surfactants, short for surface active agents and defined as “compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid,” act as detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants, foaming agents, and wetting agents.
What is a good surfactant?
A common “trick” used when spraying weeds around your home may be to add a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn®. Dish soap is used as a surfactant, both when washing dishes and applying herbicide to plants.
Is alcohol a surfactant?
Alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxysulfates are surfactants, used widely in cosmetic and other commercial products.
Is coconut oil a surfactant?
Coconut fatty acid is surfactant or cleansing agent. It is often found in laundry and dishwashing products, soap, face cleansers, shampoo, deodorant, body wash, and other products.