Surfactants

Surfactants are essentially compounds (usually organic), they work to lower the surface tension between either two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, paints, inks, anti-fogs, shampoos, ski waxes, cosmetics, dishwasher tablets, cosmetics, fabric softener, and dispersants. Half of the world’s surfactant products are soaps. Surfactants are considered to help the environment as they allow for clothes washing at lower temperatures. Surfactants are widely used in Pharmacy, particularly as a wetting agent. They are also used by cosmetic, fragrances and beauty companies as well as companies who manufacture house-hold cleaning products and paint.