Four Most Commonly Used Surfactants You Should Know
Written by Alfa Chemistry
Surfactants are substances used to reduce the surface tension of target solutions. It has fixed hydrophilic and lipophilic groups and can be aligned on the solution surface. The molecular structure of surfactants is amphoteric, with a hydrophilic end group and a hydrophobic end group. The hydrophilic group is polar and usually consists of carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, amino or amine groups, and its salt. In contrast, the hydrophobic group is often referred to as a non-polar hydrocarbon chain, such as a hydrocarbon chain with greater than 8 carbon atoms. Surfactants can be further categorized as ionic surfactants (cationic surfactants and anionic surfactants), non-ionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and others.
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate is a cleansing ingredient widely used to enhance the cleansing performance of skincare products.
Technical Indicatorsr
Chemical structural formula: ROCO-CH2-CH(SO3Na)-COONar
Appearance (25): pure white fine paster
Content (%): 48.0-50.0
Na2SO3 (%): ≤ 0.50rnpH (1% aqueous solution): 5.5-7.0
Featuresrnï¬White and fine paste at room temperature and becomes transparent liquid upon heating (>70°C) ï¬Rich and dense foam without a greasy feeling and easy to rinsernï¬Strong detergency and low degreasing performance; a common mild surfactantrnï¬Compatible with other surfactants and can reduce the irritation of other surfactantsrnï¬Hard water resistance, good biodegradability, and high-cost performance
Usager
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate can be used to prepare hand balm (liquid), foam cleanser, and shaving foam of high viscosity and cleansing performance. It can also be formulated with non-slippery shower foam, etc.
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (https://surfactant.alfa-chemistry.com/product/disodium-laureth-sulfosuccinate-cas-39354-45-5-319876.html) is a top-performing surfactant that advances various formulations.
Technical Indicatorsr
Chemical structural formula: RO(CH2CH2O)3COCH2CH(SO3Na)COONar
Appearance (25°C): colorless to light yellow viscous liquidr
Active substance (%): 30.0±2.0rnpH (1%): 5.5-6.5
Na2SO3 (%): ≤ 0.3
Foam (mm): ≤ 150
Featuresrnï¬Excellent washing, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing propertiesrnï¬Low irritation and can significantly reduce the irritation of other surfactantsrnï¬Rich, dense and stable foamsrnï¬Excellent calcium soap dispersing power and resistance to hard waterrnï¬Compatible with various surfactants and plant extracts to form stable systems for natural productsrnï¬Low degreasing performance, moderate detergency, easy to rinse, and no greasy feeling
Usager
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate can be used to manufacture shampoo, bath foam, shower gel, hand sanitizer, surgical cleanser, and other cosmetic products and act as an emulsifier, dispersant, wetting agent, and foaming agent.
Disodium Cocoyl Monoethanolamide Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Cocoyl Monoethanolamide Sulfosuccinate has excellent calcium soap dispersing power.
Technical Indicatorsr
Structural formula: RCONHCH2CH2OCOCHCH(SO3Na)COONa
Appearance (25°C): slightly yellow transparent liquid
Active substance (%): ≥ 30.0 rnpH (%): 5.5-7.0
Featuresrnï¬Excellent washing, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing propertiesrnï¬Low irritation and can significantly reduce the irritation of other surfactantsrnï¬Rich, dense, and stable foam; better foam stabilization performance than disodium sulfosuccinate monoester surfactantsrnï¬Excellent calcium soap dispersing power and hard water resistancernï¬Low degreasing performance, moderate detergency, easy to rinse, and no greasy feeling
Usager
Disodium Cocoyl Monoethanolamide Sulfosuccinate can be utilized to manufacture shampoo, bath foam, shower gel, hand soap, surgical cleanser, and other cosmetic products as an emulsifier, dispersant agent, wetting agent, and foaming agent for the coating, leather, paper, ink, textile, and other industries.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine (https://surfactant.alfa-chemistry.com/product/cocamidopropyl-betaine-cas-61789-40-0-319566.html)
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a chemical compound generally used in personal care and household cleaning products.
Technical Indicatorsr
Chemical structure: RCONH(CH2)3N+(CH3)2CH2COO4
Appearance (25°C): slightly yellow transparent liquid
Active substance (%): 30±1
Free amine content (%): ≤ 0.10
Solid content (%): ≥35.0
Featuresrnï¬Excellent solubility and compatibilityrnï¬Excellent foaming and significant thickening abilityrnï¬Low irritation and bactericidal properties; can enhance the softness of washing productsrnï¬Stable at low-temperaturernï¬Good antistatic agent and biodegradable
Usager
Cocamidopropyl betaine is extensively used in the formulation of household detergents as the major ingredient in preparing mild baby shampoos, baby bath foams, and baby skincare products. It is an excellent softening and conditioning agent in hair and skin care formulations.
Article author
About the Author
Summaryr
Surfactants have widespread applications in various sectors. Due to its constant innovation and continuous efforts, Alfa Chemistry now provides a full range of affordable, high-quality, and reproducible surfactants to numerous organizations globally. At Alfa Chemistry, customers can easily access a broad range of amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and non-ionic surfactants.
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
The Role of Two-Man Delivery in Modern UK E-commerce
The UK e-commerce industry has changed significantly in recent years. Customers now expect more than simply having their orders arrive on time. For large, heavy, fragile, or high-value products, they increasingly expect a convenient, professional, and reliable delivery experience from the moment their order leaves the
September 13, 2026
Article
E Paper Display Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis 2025–2034
The Global E Paper Display Market is projected to grow from USD 4.3 billion in 2025 to USD 21.3 billion by 2034, expanding at a 19.4% CAGR. Growth is driven by rising adoption of electronic shelf labels, e-readers, smart signage, logistics labels, and low-power connected displays. North America is expected to lead the
September 13, 2026
Article
The Silent Shift: How Appointment Setting is Redefining Home Security Sales
Discover how appointment setting transforms home security sales from cold knocks to trusted consultations, boosting conversions and building lasting customer relationships.
September 12, 2026
Article
Data Warehouse Architecture: Fundamentals for Business Leaders
August 26, 2026