Understanding Surfactants: Types, Functions, and Industrial Uses

Surfactants, short for “surface-active agents,” are the foundation of many modern cleaning formulations. These chemical compounds reduce the surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid, enabling better spreading, wetting, and emulsifying of oils and dirt. At Level 7 Chemical, a wide range of surfactants is available for use in both industrial and household cleaning products. Understanding how each type of surfactant works is key to selecting the right one for your specific cleaning application.

The Four Main Types of Surfactants

Anionic Surfactants

Anionic surfactants carry a negative charge on their head group. They are excellent for removing particulate and oily soils and generate good foam.

• Calsoft LAS 99
• SLES 70
• SLES 30
• AOS 40

Cationic Surfactants

Cationic surfactants carry a positive charge and are often used for antimicrobial, antistatic, and fabric softening applications.

• Lauramine Oxide
• 7DET-O8

Nonionic Surfactants

Nonionic surfactants have no charge, making them compatible with other surfactants, low foaming, and effective for emulsifying oils.

• NP-10 Mol
• Triton X-100

Amphoteric Surfactants

Amphoteric surfactants can carry positive or negative charges depending on pH, enhancing foam and reducing harshness in cleaning formulations.

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine