What is a surfactant? Surfactants are also known as wetting agents. They may be liquids or powders. Surfactants are used in aqueous cleaners to provide detergency, emulsification, and wetting action. From Sage Solvent Guide, 1992

SLS - A detergent/surfactant, SLS is an excellent foamer, but is recognized that Sodium and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate may induce eye and very bad skin irritations. It can cause rashes and hair loss.

SLES: A detergent/surfactant. "The basis for SLES is lauryl alcohol, a C-12, fatty alcohol that is fractionated from coconut oil. (Lauryl alcohol can be derived from other sources including petroleum.) From there the material is reacted with sulfuric acid to form lauryl sulfate and then neutralized with sodium hydroxide and finally reacted with ethylene oxide. Though some claim it to be all natural & derived from coconut oil, but since it undergoes several chemical processes, the end result is far distant from its original source. It is milder than SLS, yet still a harsh surfactant. >> more on SLS, SLES at Cosmetic Ingredient Review - The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)was established in 1976 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association (CTFA) with support of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Decyl Glucoside (*One of Our Choices): A surfactant - This is quoted from the technical data sheet for this material - Cognis (formerly Henkel).

"Decyl Glucoside is a fatty polyglycoside prepared by reacting cornstarch glucose with a C6 - C16 natural fatty alcohol. Decyl Glucoside is a nonionic surfactant and can function as either a primary or secondary surfactant in a variety of personal care cleansers. It provides excellent foaming characteristics, ease of formulation, and mildness to skin and eyes.

Due to its mildness and foaming properties, Decyl Glucoside is recommended as a primary or co-surfactant in shampoos, shower gels, and bubble baths, hand and face cleansers, and other applications where mildness without sacrificing performance is required. It contains no solvents or hydrotypes and is easily formulated in personal care products.."

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