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My Reward PointsSurfactants are the most common ingredient used in moisturisers, skin cleansers, and a variety of other skincare products. The use of surfactants in skincare is so common that most brands use them in their products.
Also, the availability of natural surfactants for skincare products allows brands to explore the organic surfactants in their formula. More information about the role of the surfactants is provided in the sections below!
What Are Surfactants in Skincare?
Surfactants react with the dirt and help them disintegrate and wash away with water. So, surfactants are widely used in skincare formulations. They create a foamy reaction when you mix them with water. This dirt-trapping mechanism of surfactants is one of the major reasons behind its use in skincare products.
Types of Surfactants in Skincare
Now that we have understood the role of surfactants in skincare, let's discuss the types of surfactants in skincare:
1. Anionic Surfactants
Anionic surfactants possess a negative charge that removes the dirt, oil, and other impurities from the surface of your skin. When these types of surfactants are used in skincare, they also improve their foaming and help them spread easily onto the skin. Sodium laureth sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate are some common examples of anionic surfactants.
2. Non-Ionic Surfactants
Non-ionic surfactants have a neutral charge and are mostly used in the emulsification of oils during different stages of formulation. They are also of a non-irritating nature and are mostly added to pharmaceutical products. Alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene acetyl ethers, and lauryl ether are some of the common examples of non-ionic surfactants.
3. Amphoteric Surfactants
Amphoteric surfactants can carry both cationic and anionic hydrophilic groups, as per the ambient conditions, such as the pH level. These surfactants are mostly used in shampoos, conditioners, and similar products. They also improve the thickening properties of the formula and add a creaminess to the end products. Cocamidopropyl and sodium lauriminodipropionate are some common examples of amphoteric surfactants.
4. Cationic Surfactants
The surfactants that have a positive charge are known as cationic surfactants. They are known for their disinfectant properties and ability to condition your skin. Also, they do not foam, rinse, or cleanse surfaces. Benzalkonium, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium, and tetrabutylammonium are some common examples of cationic surfactants.
What Does Surfactant Do in Skincare?
Now that we have understood the properties and types of surfactants used in skincare products, let's focus on their role in skincare:
1. Cleansing
The primary role of surfactants in skincare is to trap the dirt and remove it by forming a foam. When mixed with water, these surfactants create a foam and trap the dirt particles that you can wash away with water.
2. Foaming
By adding surfactants in skincare products, you can also induce the desired foaming properties in them. The foaming properties are especially used in skincare products that are used for cleansing your skin. They include products such as body washes, face scrubs, face washes, etc.
3. Emulsifying
Surfactants also emulsify the ingredients used in the skincare products. This means that they bring other products together and make the product formula more effective. By doing so, they prevent the ingredients from disintegrating from the formula.
4. Solubilising
Surfactants are also good at dissolving the ingredients used in the formula. They primarily dissolve the liquids and play a key role in personal care, cosmetic, and skincare products that are formulated for cleansing your body.
List of Skin Care Products That Contain Surfactants
Now that we have understood the role of surfactants in skincare, let's look at the products that contain surfactants as one of the key ingredients:
1. Facial Cleansers
Face cleansers need to have foaming properties to remove oil, dirt, and other impurities from your pores. So, adding mild surfactants to facial cleansers improves their cleansing properties.
2. Body Washes & Shower Gels
Surfactants are also added in body washes and shower gels to dissolve other liquids in the formula. Also, they improve the cleansing properties of the products and also enhance their ability to spread easily on the body.
3. Shampoos & Scalp Cleansers
Surfactants are also added to hair and scalp cleansing shampoos. Mix with water to cleanse the hair and scalp seamlessly by forming a dense foam. They also contain some conditioning properties that make them healthy for your scalp.
4. Moisturisers & Creams
Surfactants may also be added to moisturisers to maintain their creamy consistency and texture. They prevent the oils used in the formula from disintegrating due to their emulsifying properties.
5. Exfoliating Scrubs
Due to their deep cleansing properties, you may also find surfactants in the exfoliating scrubs. They create foam and help exfoliate the oil, dust, dirt, and other toxins from your skin, which are used as key ingredients in face and body scrubs.
Conclusion
We hope you have understood what surfactants do in skincare products. The use of natural surfactants for skin care products is on the rise. If you require these surfactants, you can visit the website of a credible supplier such as VedaOils. VedaOils is a leading supplier of natural ingredients used in skincare, haircare, cosmetics, and personal care products. Visit their portal today and buy the ingredients you require for your skincare products at wholesale rates.
