Encyclopedia
Surfactants
20 surfactant ingredients explained in plain English.
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside A light non-ionic surfactant and essential-oil solubilizer. Gentle, water-thin, perfect for toners and clear cleansers. Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cocamidopropyl Betaine The most common amphoteric foam booster — very close to coco betaine, slightly more refined. Coco Betaine Coco-Betaine An amphoteric secondary surfactant from coconut oil. Reduces the harshness of stronger cleansers, boosts foam, adds light viscosity. Coco Glucoside Coco Glucoside A mild non-ionic plant-derived surfactant. Creamy soft foam, well tolerated by sensitive skin and eyes. Decyl Glucoside Decyl Glucoside A non-ionic plant-derived surfactant. Very mild, biodegradable, lower foam than sulfates. Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate A mild secondary surfactant that boosts foam and softens harsher primary surfactants. The gentleness booster. Lauryl Glucoside Lauryl Glucoside A non-ionic plant-derived surfactant. The thickest of the glucosides — gentle cleansing with body-building viscosity. SCI (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate A mild anionic surfactant from coconut oil. Rich creamy foam, gentle on sensitive skin and baby products. SCS (Sodium Coco-Sulfate) Sodium Coco-Sulfate Primary anionic cleansing surfactant from coconut fatty alcohols. Strong cleanser with high foam. SLSA (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate) Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate A mild anionic surfactant from coconut and palm oils. Big fluffy bubbles, non-irritating. Not the same as SLS. Sodium Coco Sulfate Sodium Coco Sulfate Solid coconut-derived surfactant. Strong cleansing and lather for shampoo bars and solid cleansers. Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids An exceptionally mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut and apple amino acids, producing thick creamy foam suitable for baby and sensitive-skin products. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate An ultra-mild amino-acid surfactant from coconut fatty acids and glutamic acid. Creamy soft foam, ideal for sensitive skin and baby products. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate An extremely mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil, beloved for syndet bars, shampoo bars, and gentle cleansers. Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate A very mild amino-acid surfactant from glutamic acid and coconut fatty acids. Hydrating, low foam, gentle on dry skin and damaged hair. Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate A mild, derived-from-coconut surfactant that produces creamy foam. Especially good for syndet bars and gentle facial cleansers. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate A mild anionic surfactant from coconut fatty acids and sarcosine — silky foam, gentle, common in toothpaste and facial cleansers. Sodium Olivamphoacetate Sodium Olivamphoacetate Amphoteric surfactant derived from olive oil fatty acids. Mild cleanser, foam booster, and viscosity helper for natural-positioned wash-off products. Sulfated Castor Oil Sulfated Castor Oil Water-dispersible castor oil modified with sulfuric acid. One of the oldest natural surfactants, used as an emulsifier for essential oils, a bath-oil base, and a mild cleansing emollient. Tea Seed Saponin Camellia Oleifera Seed Extract A 100% plant-derived surfactant powder from tea seeds containing over 60% saponin, producing mild fluffy foam for cleansers and powder products.